From Cyriacus Nnaji, Lagos
As part of programmes to mark the 2023 World Bicycle Day, the Asian/African Chamber of Commerce, Nigerian Chapter has partnered the Lagos State University (LASU) to organize a cycling event aimed at ensuring the promotion of effective transportation and healthy living in Nigeria.
The two organisations made the disclosure at a World Press Conference which took place at the School of Transport & Logistics, Lagos State University, Main Campus at Ojo, on Tuesday, May 2, 2023.
Anrinle Ahmed Adekunle, the President of the Asian/African Chamber of Commerce and Industry explained the reason behind the Cycling initiative which was tagged “Royal Edition”.
Adekunle who disclosed that this year’s Cycling year will take place on June 3rd, 2023, said “The World Bicycle Day is a global event celebrated on June 3rd every year to promote the use of bicycles as a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation. This year, Asian/African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nigeria Chapter, is partnering with the School of Transport and Logistics, Lagos State University to celebrate World Bicycle Day tagged ‘Royal Edition’ on June 3rd, 2023. The occasion will be utilized to promote cycling as an effective means of transportation and healthy lifestyle, as well as to commemorate the impact that cycling has on the environment.”
He threw more light on the activities lined up for the annual cycling event as the event will kick off at the palace of Oniba of Ibaland. “As part of the celebrations, the Lagos State University and other invited guests will participate in a range of exciting cycling activities, including a cycling marathon which would be flagged off at the palace of His Royal Majesty, the Oniba of Iba Ekun, Oba Adeshina Sulaimon Raji. The cycling marathon spanning about 5.5 km is designed to promote physical activity and environmental awareness and would terminate in front of the university Main Auditorium.”
Adekunle who stated that cash rewards totaling a whopping N1million has been earmarked for winners in different categories of the cycling event said, “At the end of the marathon there will be award and medal presentation to selected participants, and other fun-filled events intended to create awareness about the benefits of cycling for both individuals and society at large.”
In line with the Global world Bicycle Day celebrations, he said that the event is also to raise awareness about the increasing need for sustainable mobility, promoting of the use of non-polluting means of transport, and developing the culture of cycling in Lagos State University and Iba Kingdom, adding that the celebrations will be graced by special invitees and representatives of the Dutch Cycling Embassy, Netherlands. “We are confident that this event will be a resounding success and will pave the way for increased cycling advocacy in Lagos and other major cities in Nigeria,” Adekunle said.
He thanked other key partners including the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Security Corps (LSNSC) for their supports and participation since the maiden edition of event; Rinllandded Group; Weathroot Global Ventures, Rinllandded Agropreneur; Federal Road Safety Commission; Dutch Cycling Embass; and the , Lagos State University Students Union Government and all media partners.
Earlier on his part, the Dean, School of Transport & Logistics, Prof. Charles Asenimi, in his welcome Address said Cycling is meant for mobility and health. “We ride the bicycle to stay healthy, we ride the bicycle to get to where we are going. The culture is just beginning to evolve, in those days it is headmasters and principals that own bicycles, but now people feel bicycle is for poor people, the conception will change today after this press conference.”
He said in Europe people understand the importance of cycling and that is why they are healthy unlike the Africans. “When Macron visited the Prime Minister of Denmark, it is bicycle they rode to their offices, if it is in Africa, they would go in a stretch of Limonene, that is why we are dying so fast, but bicycle is health.”
Asenime added that a series of activities have been lined up for this year’s cycling day and he encouraged the public to embrace cycling “So for this year’s edition a series of activities will take place culminating to the day of the World Bicycle Day. Bicycle is good, at least it is human powered.”
