Church donates helmets to motorcyclists

[Washington Dick]

Church donates helmets to motorcyclists


Ibok went into a church on Thursday with his motorcycle and a hard hat, but left with a free helmet on his head and a smile on his face.

Ninety-nine other commercial motorcyclists got free helmets and words of advice from The Wealthy Place, a church on 7th Avenue, Festac Town, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Lagos.

Mr. Ibok, a father of three, said he was surprised at his good fortune. "I was invited to come to church for a programme organised for commercial cyclists," he said. "I hadn't bought the helmets, as they were too expensive for me. The harassment by law enforcement officers made me stop work.

I didn't believe it when they called me as one of the lucky 100. Now, no police can stop me for helmet. I thank the church for this."

Basil Ezeogu, one of the organisers and an elder in the church said, "We invited the riders in this area to encourage them and give them gifts.

We are showing them love and letting them know they are part of the society. They are not rejects simply because they ride bikes for a living. Many of them never came to Lagos to do this job, but circumstances led them to this."

The head of the church, Reverend Dan C. Daniels, in his speech, said religious affiliations were overlooked when the riders were invited. "We know many of you are not Christians, but we welcome you all," he said. "I want you all to know that whatever you do, you are contributing to the economy, even as okada riders.

Be proud of what you are doing. If you are not, no matter how much struggle you put in, you will remain poor."

Apparently, this was not the first time the church was lending a hand to people. Samuel Uyana is one of the youth leaders in the church. "In November 2008, we put together a free clinic where there were free blood tests and treatment," he said.

"We gave out 80 free eyeglasses to people that day. We have also visited orphanages, like the Little Saints Orphange in Egbeda, and donated various things to them. The vision of the church is to preach God's love by showing love to those who need it."

The Amuwo-Odofin chairman, Ayodele Adewale, thanked the church for their kindness and asked the riders to return the favour by being nice to their passengers. "Many people treat you badly because of your attitude.

They fear your risky riding and hate your dirty appearance. You should dress better so that people will see you as one of them."

Banks were also at the event to teach the riders how to get microfinance loans. There was a sermon and then Reverend Daniels anointed the okada riders' motorcycles.

The ANACOWA-Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association president for Amuwo Odofin branch, James Ahonye, said the church had done well. "I feel very great and proud that the church is recognising members of my union," said Mr. Ahonye. "We will do our best to remain good citizens."

This is a reflection of the past before the closing of Motorcycle riders popularly called OKADA in some States of Nigeria.

[Oyedokun Barakat Oyetomilola]

Its an indication that some people in Nigeria still care for the well-being of others.... and i hope someday i'll also have the huge opportunity to change the lives of people positively, at least the church saved riders who were at the verge of loosing their means of livelihood. Kudos