By Juliet Umeh

A fitness-driven and community-focused cycling group, Cycology Cycling Club, has renewed its call for improved road safety and environmental sustainability in Nigeria. As part of its advocacy efforts, the club distributed over 200 food boxes and cash gifts to road sweepers across Bourdillon, Dolphin, and Iyana Oworo, recognizing their vital role in maintaining clean and safe streets.

The annual initiative, tagged “Love on the Sidewalk,” is designed to appreciate and support the road sweepers who work tirelessly to keep Lagos clean and safe.

Speaking at the event, the Vice Captain of Cycology Cycling Club, Kunle Osunkunle emphasized the importance of road cleanliness and the vital role road sweepers play in ensuring safety for all road users.

“You can imagine if the roads are not clean, it may not be safe. Day in, day out, these sweepers clear debris and ensure our streets remain navigable. This initiative is our way of saying thank you and recognizing their efforts.

“We understand that times are tough, and many people struggle to afford basic necessities. This is our little way of giving back and ensuring they have food to share with their families,” Osunkunle added.

He noted: “The Road Sweepers Initiative, has continued to grow, thanks to generous contributions from club members and corporate sponsors. The initiative provides essential dry food items to sweepers, acknowledging the economic challenges many face.”

Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, Secretary of the Club, Chinelo Ononye, emphasized the club’s commitment to appreciating these unsung heroes and fostering a cleaner, safer environment for all road users.

She said: “Each year, we distribute goodie boxes with dry food to road sweepers to appreciate their hard work, boost morale, and recognize their vital role in keeping our roads clean.

“By engaging with road sweepers and highlighting their importance, we raise awareness about the need for collective responsibility in maintaining clean and safe roads,” Ononye added.

A member of Cycology Cycling Club, Olanrewaju Ojo-Aromokudu, described the initiative as a core pillar of the club’s mission, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and appreciating the road sweepers’ tireless efforts.

“Cycology cares, Cycology remembers. This initiative is our way of giving back to those who keep our streets clean and safe, we recognize their efforts,” he said.

Similarly, Vice Captain (External Rides) of Cycology Cycling Club, Tamunotonye Thom-Manuel, highlighted: “The ‘Share the Road’ event is an annual tradition for Cycology, we own it, it’s our trademark. This initiative is not just about appreciation; it’s also about raising awareness on the risks these sweepers face daily and ensuring they stay safe while working in such dangerous conditions,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries of the initiative, Mrs. Taiwo Akinleye, expressed her joy and gratitude.

She said, “For all that you have been doing, may God bless you, protect your family, and grant you success in your workplaces.”