Uche Cecil Izuora
The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has honoured two exceptional professionals whose careers have left an indelible mark on water transportation in Lagos State.
Prince Gbadamosi Hakeem and Captain Shakirudeen Lamidi bowed out of active service after attaining the statutory 35 years of meritorious service in the Lagos State Civil Service.
Prince Gbadamosi Hakeem’s retirement marks the end of an era in marine operations management.
Widely regarded as one of the finest Marine Operations Supervisors LASWA has ever produced, he dedicated his career to ensuring the efficient maintenance, deployment, and operational readiness of LASWA’s fleet of boats, which is why he is affectionately known as “Number 1” amongst his team members.
From overseeing daily fleet operations to supervising LASWA captains and deckhands across the state’s waterways, Prince Hakeem played a pivotal role in strengthening operational standards and safety compliance.
His commitment to excellence, professionalism, and mentorship helped nurture a new generation of boat captains and marine personnel who continue to serve the industry today.
Having begun his public service career with the defunct Lagos State Ferry Corporation before joining LASWA, his wealth of experience and institutional knowledge have been invaluable assets to the Authority and the broader maritime sector.
For Captain Shakirudeen Lamidi, retirement concludes a remarkable journey spanning decades on the waterways of Lagos. A seasoned mariner and respected senior boat captain, Captain Lamidi possesses a rich history and firsthand experience of the evolution of water transportation in Lagos State.
Like Prince Hakeem, he commenced his career with the Lagos State Ferry Corporation and later joined LASWA in 2008.
Throughout his service, he demonstrated outstanding professionalism, navigational expertise, and dedication to waterways safety.
His calm leadership, deep understanding of Lagos waterways, and unwavering commitment to duty earned him the respect of colleagues, passengers, and stakeholders alike. Beyond his technical skills, Captain Lamidi served as a mentor to younger captains, helping to preserve and transfer critical maritime knowledge to the next generation.
As both gentlemen embark on a new chapter of life, LASWA proudly celebrates their remarkable contributions to the growth and development of water transportation in Lagos State. Their dedication, discipline, and years of selfless service have helped shape the Authority into what it is today.
LASWA thanked Prince Gbadamosi Hakeem and Captain Shakirudeen Lamidi for their outstanding service and wished them good health, happiness, and fulfilment in retirement, describing them as two distinguished ambassadors of the Lagos waterways sector.