The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, has warned film and skit makers against unauthorised use of its uniforms in movies and comedy skits.
LASTMA gave the warning in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, Oreagba on Friday.
The statement “declared the use of LASTMA uniforms, Kits, and other accouterments by film and skit makers illegal.”
Oreagba “frowned at the demeaning manner in which movie and skit makers portray LASTMA institution in their movies and skits.
According to him, an unauthorised use of the official uniforms as a criminal act, noting that it is in contravention of Section 79 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
He warned film or skit makers who portray themselves as LASTMA officers “without applying for, and being duly issued a permit letter for such portrayals, to desist with immediate effect or face the full wrath of the Law.”
Furthermore, he cited a Yoruba movie titled ‘Gbogbo Lowo,’ in which an actress wore a full LASTMA uniform an example of a wrong use of the agency’s uniforms.
Oreagba, therefore, called for the regulation of the possession of LASTMA uniforms.
He said such regulation will “surely curb the proliferation of LASTMA kits, uniforms and accouterments in our society.”
“We implore the National Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTA) and other affiliated bodies to warn their members as anyone caught using LASTMA Uniform without an approved permit would be prosecuted.”