ABEOKUTA– Ogun State government has reiterated its commitment to promote cycling as an efficient mode of transportation, optimal for short distances, with a call on parents, school’s administrators and others to support sport development.
Speaking at the ceremonial opening of a Sporting firm, FT Cycle Care branch office in Abeokuta, Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, recalled that bicycling was an age-long sporting activity, widely accepted by both the young and elderly, as a better form of transportation for short journeys.
Talabi emphasised the need for everyone to reignite the old sporting culture and support the drive of the present adminstration towards promoting cycling and other sports in the State.
“I will like to appreciate FT Cycle Care for its decision to partner the State government in the area of Cycling development as a better and cheapest mode of transportation for short distances. Our disposition as a government is committed to the healthy living of the citizenry.
“I want to align myself with the motto “Ride to Care”, which exposes the benefits inherent in riding a bicycle for pleasure”, he said.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Transport, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, while congratulating the sporting firm for the laudable gesture aimed at sport and health development, as well as the transportation sub-sector of the economy, said the project was expected to increase awareness amongst the people of the State.
Earlier, the CEO of the sporting firm, Mr. Femi Thomas, noted that the essence of the ceremonial ride was to create awareness, encourage, expose and educate the people on benefits of riding a bicycle, adding that “this is an opportunity to showcase the inherent advantages of bicycle riding”.
He added that cycling was one of the best sporting activity that could give the required work-out that would aid effective functioning of various body organs.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic pleasure ride of kid and adult bikers, which kick started at the Firm’s branch office in Isale Igbein to Sapon- Ijaye-Iyana mortuary-Abiola way, Lafenwa and other areas in Aboekuta Metropolis.
