[JUST IN] Fuel price hike: Embrace cycling to decimate hardship, Oluwo urges Nigerians

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has advised Nigerians to resort to cycling to ameliorate the pangs of the increase in fuel price by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited on Tuesday.

The monarch also urged Nigerians to engage in carpooling to reduce the cost of car maintenance, especially on fuel consumption.

Oba Akanbi also disclosed that the system is an alternative arrangement to survive the financial difficulty Nigerians face on transportation due to fuel subsidy removal.

The traditional ruler, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem on Thursday, said cycling and walking for short distances are important to agile individuals.

Defending the advice, Oba Akanbi noted that there is no class for bicycle riding in advanced countries and called on Nigerians to help themselves in cost 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 neighbours on similar weekly or monthly routines decide to use just a car. Instead of the two or three of them going with their respective car 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 neighbours 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.