TotalEnergies Distributes Over 600 Safety Helmets to Motorcyclists in Lagos.
In a significant road safety initiative, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, in partnership with the United Nations Global Road Safety Initiative, distributed over 600 safety helmets to motorcyclists in the Ajegunle area of Lagos. The event, held on Thursday, is part of the company’s broader “Helmet 4 Life” campaign aimed at enhancing the safety of motorcyclists.
Dr. Samba Seye, the Managing Director of TotalEnergies, represented by Mr. Abdullahi Umar, General Manager, Retail and Gas, TotalEnergies Marketing Plc, highlighted the importance of the initiative. He explained that the campaign not only aims to distribute helmets but also to raise awareness among riders about the critical need for helmet use to protect themselves and their passengers.
“Helmet 4 Life” has seen its initial deployment in other TotalEnergies affiliates and is set to provide 100,000 helmets across 40 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In Nigeria, the plan includes distributing 4,000 helmets to motorcyclists, known locally as “Okada riders,” across the country.
The initiative emphasizes the importance of helmet use by highlighting that the human skull is less than three inches thick and that head injuries are common in motorcycle accidents. Riders were also educated on other safety measures, such as avoiding overloading, being aware of weather conditions, minimizing speed, avoiding distractions, refraining from alcohol consumption, and maintaining their vehicles properly.
Seye noted that the campaign’s objectives extend beyond helmet distribution to making quality helmets accessible to riders and contributing to the prevention of fatalities in road accidents involving motorcyclists. The programme also aims to raise awareness about the importance of wearing protective equipment, understanding risk situations, vehicle maintenance, and compliance with traffic rules.
Statistics reveal that 28 percent of fatal road accidents globally involve cyclists, with some countries experiencing up to 75 percent of such accidents. In Nigeria, accidents involving cyclists are the second highest cause of road accidents. The “Helmet 4 Life” initiative targets countries where access to quality and affordable helmets is limited.
The initiative received commendation from various stakeholders. Oluwaseyi Adebeso, Superintendent Route Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Apapa Division, urged riders to prioritize their safety, especially around larger vehicles like fuel tankers and container carriers. He emphasized the importance of using helmets consistently and not just as decorations.
Related Posts
ASP Akintade Olalekan, Admin Officer at Ajeromi Police Station, called for regular sensitization programs and enforcement to ensure both riders and passengers use helmets.
Beneficiaries of the initiative expressed their gratitude. Usman Abubakar, a rider, noted that the helmet would protect him from head injuries, while Amaka Ali, a businesswoman, appreciated the gesture, highlighting that the helmets would provide protection and ease the stress of commuting.
The distribution event in Ajegunle is a crucial step towards safer roads and demonstrates TotalEnergies’ commitment to road safety and the well-being of motorcyclists in Nigeria.
