In a major effort to improve road safety for motorcycle riders, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc launched the Helmet 4 Life initiative.
TotalEnergies disclosed this in a press release, stating that the programme’s aim is to distribute 4,000 helmets to commercial motorcycle operators, known as Okada riders, across Nigeria.
The statement said that the initiative aligns with the United Nations Global Road Safety goals and is part of a wider campaign by TotalEnergies. It said TotalEnergies’ global objective is to distribute 100,000 high-quality helmets in 40 countries throughout Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Samba Seye, managing director of TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria, emphasised the company’s dedication to road safety during the launch in Ajegunle, Lagos.
Represented by Abdullahi Umar, the general manager of Retail and Gas, Seye highlighted the initiative’s significance.
“We aim to provide 100,000 helmets meeting the strictest safety standards across 40 countries,” Seye stated. “In Nigeria, 4,000 helmets will be distributed to Okada riders nationwide through the Helmet 4 Life initiative.”
The statement added that the program goes beyond simply giving away helmets, but aims to increase access to quality helmets for motorcycle riders, ultimately reducing road accident fatalities Additionally, it focuses on raising awareness about the importance of wearing protective gear, identifying risky situations, properly maintaining vehicles, and following traffic regulations.
It also said that the urgency of this initiative is underscored by statistics. Globally, 28 percent of fatal road accidents involve two-wheeler riders, with some countries reaching as high as 75 percent. In Nigeria, motorcycle accidents are the second-leading cause of road deaths.
“The Helmet 4 Life initiative strategically targets countries where a significant portion of the population lacks access to quality and affordable helmets,” explained Seye.
