Society Editor
By Tolu Adesuwa Igiehon
Tragedy struck the Lagos State civil service community over the weekend as Mrs. Serifat Olubukola Talabi, a senior director with the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA), was killed by a hit-and-run driver just days before her long-awaited retirement and 60th birthday celebration.
The unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday along the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, near the Redemption Camp in Ogun State. Eyewitnesses said Talabi was attempting to cross the road when she was hit by a speeding vehicle that refused to stop after the collision.
She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Sources within LASRRA confirmed that Mrs. Talabi was the Director of Procurement and had spent over 30 years serving the Lagos State Government with distinction. She was due to retire on October 13, 2025, but had shifted her official send-forth and birthday event to October 22 to allow her agency’s General Manager to be present.
A close colleague described her death as “a cruel twist of fate,” noting that she had sent out invitations for what was meant to be a joyous double celebration — her retirement and milestone birthday.
“She was cheerful and excited about the event. Everyone in the office had been preparing to celebrate her. It’s painful that her farewell party has turned into a memorial,” the colleague said.
An invitation card sighted online indicated that the ceremony was scheduled to take place at the NERDC Conference Centre in Ikeja, adjacent to the Fela Shrine.
According to family sources, a wake will hold on Thursday, October 23, while her burial is slated for Friday, October 24, 2025, in Ibafo, Ogun State.
The Lagos State Government has expressed condolences to her family and described her passing as a devastating loss to the civil service. Authorities have also vowed to work with security agencies to track down the driver responsible for the fatal accident.
Friends, colleagues, and loved ones have continued to pay tribute to Talabi, remembering her as a humble, disciplined, and devoted public servant who dedicated her life to service and mentorship.
“She gave everything to her job. It’s heartbreaking that she never got to enjoy her retirement after all her years of sacrifice,” one mourner said quietly.
