GRA Concludes Plan to Launch, Commence Free ‘Cycle 2 School Plus’ Programme

OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos

The GRA Empowerment Foundation has announced plans to officially launch its free Cycle 2 School Plus (C2S+) programme, aligning the unveiling with the 2025 United Nations World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The programme is scheduled for Thursday, November 28, 2025, at the Government Technical College, Ikotun, Lagos.

Organised in partnership with the Lagos State Vocational Education Board, the event is expected to draw participation from about 20 secondary schools across the state.

Speaking ahead of the launch, the Founder of GRA Empowerment Foundation, Mr. Aroge, said the organisation has overcome major financial challenges in clearing a container of bicycles donated by their UK charity partner. He explained that the Foundation had hoped to receive a waiver during clearing but was left disappointed.

“As I speak, we have spent close to ₦15 million covering port charges, warehousing, logistics, and transportation from the port to the inland location,” he lamented.

He noted that although cycling is common in Nigeria, its lack of a structured approach and safety coordination has discouraged many potential cyclists. According to him, the Foundation remains committed to providing safe alternatives for schoolchildren despite limited support from expected donors, especially corporate organisations.

“We are largely discouraged by the lack of support. It is enough to say there is no point doing this social good. But we also know that many youths who drift into crime or restiveness today come from underserved communities, so we feel compelled to continue this project,” he said.

The GRA Empowerment Foundation, a mobility charity, focuses on bridging transportation gaps affecting indigenous public-school students. In October, the organisation launched the non-motorised cycling initiative in Abuja, with the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officially flagging it off to reinforce commitment to road safety.

Aroge explained that the C2S+ programme will provide qualified students with bicycles for daily commuting throughout their schooling period. Upon graduation, beneficiaries will return the bicycles to their schools for reassignment to new students.

The Foundation will also train interested students as bicycle mechanics, creating additional empowerment opportunities.

He noted that 20 schools in Alimosho Local Government Area have already been pre-qualified following a route survey conducted using the Strava app to map students’ homes, school routes, distances and travel times. Escort and travel supervisory teams will be deployed to guide students safely through designated traffic corridors.

The Remembrance Day event will also feature a traffic-safety skit presentation by participating schools. A cash prize of ₦100,000 will be awarded to the winning school, while members of the winning team will receive world-class safety footwear, event-branded T-shirts, and other souvenirs.