Meet Charlotte Obasa: Founder of Nigeria’s First Indigenous Bus Service

In 1914, a year after Lagos Steam Tramway shut down, Charlotte Olajumoke Obasa stepped in to ease commuter hardship. She launched the nearly free “Anfani” bus service without holding public office. Born on January 7, 1874, into the family of Richard Beale Blaize and later married into Prince Orisadipe Obasa’s house, she was already known for donating property to establish the Lagos School for Girls in 1907. Beyond transport, she led social welfare efforts as head of the Lagos Women’s League. Obasa also served on a committee tackling infant mortality and became the first Iya Abiye of the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity. Anfani buses ran until the late 1920s, making way for newer services. She commissioned her portrait “Sisi Nurse” in 1922 and passed away in Lagos on December 23, 1953.

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