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 Asenime, 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.”
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