LSM Helmsman Dedicates Auto Industry Icon Award To Late Father

The Managing Director of Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM), Mr. Taiwo Shittu, has dedicated the Vanguard newspaper Auto Icon award he recently won to his late father, who is also the founder of LSM, Alhaji Rasaki Olanrewaju Shittu.
Mr. Taiwo Shittu who stated this shortly after receiving the award plaque at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos venue of the event, used the opportunity to also appreciate his other siblings for trusting him to lead the vast business empire of the family.
According to him, “I will dedicate the award to my late father. He was visionary and groomed us to stand on our own. He had a strong team and raised us to prioritize integrity over money. He believed that a good name and character would always speak for you – even in your absence”.

On how he felt about the award, he said “I give glory to Almighty Allah for making this honour possible. Sometimes, you may have a vision, but people, the economy, or circumstances might hinder its actualization. In my case, the vision came from our late Chairman, my father, Alhaji Rasaki Olanrewaju Shittu, who conceptualized it, nurtured it, and was blessed with the right team. That is a rare gift.
“I feel good about the award. It is a challenge; an award that tells me the need to do more; that people are looking up to me and I’m encouraged to see that l still have a lot more to give to the industry”.
Speaking about his extended family, he said, “We also have a family that is supportive in ensuring that the legacy of our late father is sustained. Even those who are not in the business are pushing to ensure that it is continued success. I will always thank my 19 siblings for giving me the opportunity to lead them in this business”.
On future plans of the company, the MD said aside consolidating on the newly introduced LSM brand, the firm intend to unveil its auto manufacturing plant early next year. “The new plant will cover 40,000 square metres – about 10 times the size of the current one at Amuwo Odofin, Lagos”, he explained.
Also speaking on the auto industry, he called on the government to give legal backing to the auto industry policy, by ensuring that the National Assembly passes it into law.
He said “The government must focus on the auto sector and create a level playing field with special incentives for serious investors. We’re not asking for free money. We want policy stability – the assurance that our investments won’t be jeopardized by sudden policy reversals”.
The LSM MD who revealed that his company has already identified with the President Bola Tinubu policy on CNG, saying, adding that “President Tinubu’s administration is on the right path, and we are positioning ourselves to take full advantage”.
Aside the JAC vehicles being assembled by Lanre Shittu Motors, he revealed that the company has also unveiled its own brand (LSM).
According to him, “LSM is active in the commercial segment – CNG buses, light-duty buses, high-capacity buses, and pickups. We’re accrediting distributors for the LSM brand nationwide. Next year, we’ll introduce LSM CNG and EV passenger vehicles”.

MIKE OCHONMA
Editor