The Onilegbale of Lagos, Oloye Gbolahan Oki, has announced plans to establish a community cycling club for young people and adults in his domain, pledging to sponsor between 50 and 100 children and youths as its pioneer members.
The monarch, whose full title is Ogboni Iduntafa, made the announcement during a visit by a 25-member team of cyclists from Velo NG Community, powered by FT Cycle Care and the Catalytic Cycling Foundation. The visit was organised to celebrate Isese Day and promote Lagos culture.
Oki praised FT Cycle Care for using cycling to support community development, announcing that the proposed club would be managed by FT Cycle Care and Velo NG Community in partnership with the Catalytic Cycling Foundation.
He said the initiative would use cycling to empower young people, tackle poverty, discourage drug abuse and illicit substance use, promote physical fitness and tourism, and preserve Lagos cultural values.
The lead of FT Cycle Care expressed gratitude for the monarch’s support, describing the initiative as an opportunity to create positive pathways for young people.
“We are deeply honoured by Kabiyesi’s trust. This is more than cycling. This is about giving Lagos youths a new path: discipline, purpose and opportunity,” the representative said.
The club is expected to provide structured cycling training, mentorship, bicycle maintenance skills and opportunities to participate in local and national competitions.
Velo NG Community, based in Fadeyi, has developed from a small group of cycling enthusiasts into a mentorship initiative. Through weekly rides and workshops, it has introduced more than 200 young people to cycling while promoting civic responsibility and entrepreneurship.
Its lead coordinator, Engineer Femi Thomas, said cycling helps instil patience, teamwork and resilience—qualities he believes can prepare young people for leadership.
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