GRA Foundation Marks World Bicycle Day With Free Bicycle Distribution To ISL Students
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Gabriel Rotimi Aroge (GRA) Empowerment Foundation marked World Bicycle Day 2026 by distributing free bicycles to students of the International School, University of Lagos (ISL), in a move aimed at promoting sustainable transportation, healthy living, and affordable mobility among young people.
The event, held under the global theme “Advancing Sustainable Mobility and Inclusive Transport,” brought together education leaders, road safety officials, university representatives, and students to advocate for cycling as a practical solution to rising transportation costs and environmental challenges.
Speaking at the ceremony, GRA Empowerment Foundation National Coordinator, Dr. Ashiru Al-Moruf, described the bicycle as a tool of opportunity capable of reducing barriers to education and improving students’ wellbeing.
“A bicycle is more than a machine. In the hands of a student, it becomes a promise that distance, transportation costs, and economic challenges will not stand in the way of education,” he said.
The ISL programme represents the fifth school outreach under the foundation’s sustainable mobility campaign, which has so far distributed hundreds of bicycles across Lagos State.
Mr. Al-Moruf noted that the initiative seeks to encourage environmentally friendly transportation while helping families cope with increasing commuting expenses.
The Chairman of the ISL Management Board, Prof. Bolajoko N. Dixon-Ogbechie, described the occasion as historic for the institution and praised the foundation for selecting the school as a beneficiary.
“Cycling is not only a means of transportation; it promotes fitness, health, and discipline,” she said. She added that the school plans to leverage the initiative to introduce triathlon and related endurance sports to its students.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Joseph Awoyinfa commended the partnership between the university, the foundation, and road safety authorities, describing cycling as an important component of future urban mobility solutions.
He also highlighted the environmental and health benefits associated with greater bicycle use.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC) used the occasion to advocate improved infrastructure for cyclists.
Speaking on behalf of Lagos State Sector Commander Kehinde Hamzat, Deputy Corps Commander Jeffrey Otubu called for the development of dedicated bicycle lanes and stronger policies to protect cyclists on Nigerian roads.
The event concluded with a five-kilometre awareness ride around the University of Lagos community, where students demonstrated safe cycling practices.
Observed annually on June 3, highlights the bicycle’s role in advancing sustainable development, public health, environmental protection, and inclusive transportation worldwide.
