The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited increased the price of petrol on Tuesday, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has recommended his people to use cycling to lessen the pain.
The monarch also asked Nigerians to carpool in order to save the expense of vehicle upkeep, particularly in terms of fuel usage.
Oba Akanbi also revealed that the system is a backup plan to help Nigerians deal with the financial hardship they are experiencing with transportation as a result of the elimination of gasoline subsidies.
The traditional head of state stated cycling and short distance walking are beneficial for nimble people in a statement released by his chief press secretary Alli Ibraheem on Thursday.
In support of his recommendation, Oba Akanbi pointed out that advanced nations do not offer bicycle riding classes and urged Nigerians to help themselves with money management.
“While calling on the Nigerian government to fast track palliatives and salary increments for workers, I enjoin Nigerians to device carpooling as personal temporary relief to mitigate the immediate effect of subsidy removal.
“Implementation of Fuel subsidy removal has placed a challenge before Nigerians. It has affected almost all facets of our lives. As a father to the nation, I will strongly suggest the alternative mostly especially for the middle class using cars,” he said.
“Carpooling is an arrangement where neighbors on similar weekly or monthly routines decide to use just a car. Instead of the two or three of them going with their respective cars to work, they can decide to use one person’s car for a week, another person’s car for another week and so on to save the cost of buying fuel. The same can be applied to conveying children to school. With the package, individuals can adjust with less hardship in transportation costs.
“Sometimes, we can use bicycles for short distances. Bicycle riding is for all irrespective of your class. Many great people ride bicycles even to their workplaces in advanced countries. A few will decide to take a walk for a shorter distance. Walking and bicycle riding is healthier. Nigerians should wake up. Let’s face reality together so we can enjoy its sweet end together.
“Wealthy Nigerians should equally imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship. Many will pay the bike man daily to convey children to school. Rich individuals with a car can help the children of their neighbors going to the same or nearest schools.
“It’s understandable that Nigerians are going through a lot. President Ahmed Tinubu meant well. I’m convinced he will alleviate our suffering and make this country great. Let’s be patient. We will laugh when the relief comes,” he said.
