GRA Foundation, Ratel UK Promote Road Safety With Bicycle Distribution To Lagos Students.
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The GRA Empowerment Foundation and United Kingdom chapter of the Ratel Movement Worldwide, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, has distributed 50 bicycles, helmets, and reflective jackets to students in Lagos as part of activities marking the 2026 United Nations Global Road Safety Week (UNGRSW).
The programme, themed “Make Walking and Cycling Safe,” was held at Community Grammar School, Majiyagbe Layout, Ipaja, Lagos, and featured a road safety awareness campaign, bicycle allocation, and advocacy for safer roads for cyclists and pedestrians.
The event included a road show of cyclists riding from the school to neighbouring communities to further convey the message of safe cycling.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Idowu Oyetola, Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary, representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, described the initiative as a timely intervention aimed at easing transportation challenges faced by students and improving their wellbeing.
She noted that the donation of bicycles would not only reduce transportation costs for students and their families but also encourage healthy living through regular physical activity.
According to her, transportation costs across the country have become increasingly burdensome, with commuters spending significant amounts daily on buses, motorcycles, and tricycles.
“This initiative is not just about providing bicycles; it is about supporting students, easing their movement from home to school, and promoting their overall wellbeing,” she said.
Oyetola also commended the organisers for prioritising students’ safety through the provision of protective helmets and reflective jackets, stressing that safety must remain paramount in all cycling activities.
She urged students to use the bicycles responsibly and maintain them properly, while also encouraging organisations and development partners to continue supporting educational and youth-focused initiatives.
Representing the Ratel Movement UK President-Mrs. Dolapo Dennison, was King George who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of Mrs. Dolapo, popular known as “UK Ratel Mama”
She said the organisation was committed to supporting initiatives that prevent children from being left behind, particularly in the area of education and youth development.
She also praised the efforts of the Gabriel Rotimi Aroge (GRA) Empowerment Foundation in promoting the welfare of young people and fostering a conducive environment for learning.
“We are gathered here not merely to deliver a statement, but to join hands with a vision that refuses to allow any child to be left behind,” she stated.
Also speaking, Dr. Al-Mahroof Ashiru, National Coordinator of the GRA Foundation, who represented the foundation’s International President, Mr. Gabriel Rotimi Aroge, said the bicycle deployment formed part of the foundation’s “Cycle 2 School Plus Project” designed to support students from financially challenged underserved public school children who walk many kilometres to school.
Ashiru explained that the initiative was organised to coincide with the second year of the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week and to promote safer mobility among students.
He appreciated the Foundation’s bicycle donor- Re-Cycle Bikes to Africa, the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for its support and cooperation, as well as Ratel UK for donating 50 helmets and 100 reflective jackets.
According to him, the project seeks to ensure that transportation challenges do not hinder access to education.
“When students can get to school safely and punctually, attendance improves, and improved attendance leads to better academic performance and brighter futures,” he said.
Ashiru also stressed the importance of environmental sustainability, noting that encouraging cycling and walking would help reduce pollution while promoting healthier lifestyles and road safety consciousness among young people.
Addressing the students, he urged them to treat the bicycles as tools for education and responsibility rather than toys, while advising them to always wear protective helmets and reflective jackets and obey road safety instructions.
Some parents and guardians who attended the programme commended the organisers, describing the initiative as a major relief amid rising transportation costs.
One of the beneficiaries’ parents, Mr. Ojerinde Emmanuel, said the programme would significantly reduce the financial burden on families struggling with daily transportation expenses.
He revealed that his family spends substantial amounts commuting daily between Ogun State and Lagos for school activities and described the bicycle support as timely and impactful.
Emmanuel, who identified himself as a safety instructor, also stressed the need for proper road safety education for children, adding that he regularly teaches young people safe road-crossing practices and responsible movement.
Similarly, Miss Akinbobola Caroline, a relative of one of the beneficiaries, pledged that parents and guardians would ensure that students use the bicycles safely by wearing helmets, avoiding distractions, and complying with road safety regulations.
The event concluded with the distribution of bicycles and safety materials to selected students amid renewed calls for improved road safety awareness and stronger support for child-friendly transportation initiatives in schools across the state.
