Lagos State is seeking the backing of billionaire businessman and philanthropist Femi Otedola for its planned 2026 Lagos Cycle Fest, as the state government pushes to expand cycling culture, healthy living campaigns and environmentally friendly transportation initiatives.
The appeal was made by the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, who praised Otedola’s recent cycling activities in cities including Paris, Singapore and the Maldives.
In a statement released ahead of the wellness-focused event scheduled for August, Fatodu said the businessman’s growing public interest in cycling aligns with the Lagos government’s broader push for active lifestyles and zero-emission transportation.
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“From Maldives to Singapore, and recently in Paris, Otedola has continued to apply more power to the pedal across these global cities, demonstrating physical fitness while also promoting clean mobility and zero-emission transportation,” Fatodu said.
According to him, the state believes Otedola’s influence and visibility could help inspire wider participation in cycling and wellness initiatives across Lagos.
The Lagos Cycle Fest is being organised by the Lagos State Sports Commission in collaboration with British Cycling. Officials say the programme is designed not only as a sporting event but also as part of a broader urban mobility and public health conversation.
Fatodu disclosed that discussions between Lagos officials and British Cycling have focused on technical partnerships, knowledge exchange and long-term cycling development strategies for the state.
“These important themes strongly align with the vision behind Lagos Cycle Fest, an innovative sporting initiative introduced by the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Sports Commission in collaboration with the British Cycling Association,” he added.
The initiative comes at a time when Lagos authorities are increasingly promoting non-motorised transportation and wellness campaigns amid concerns over traffic congestion, pollution and rising lifestyle-related health challenges in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Cycling advocacy has also gained visibility globally as governments seek greener alternatives to urban transportation systems.
Fatodu said the commission sees Otedola as a strategic ambassador capable of attracting both elite and grassroots interest to the programme.
“This is where an influential cyclist like Otedola is well-suited to accentuate the essence of the initiative by the Lagos State Sports Commission in amplifying the gains of active living, which is important to everyone regardless of social class,” he stated.
“In identifying with his growing passion for cycling and his visible promotion of healthy living across global cities, the Lagos State Sports Commission is optimistically calling on Otedola to champion Lagos Cycle Fest and inspire thousands of Lagos residents to embrace active living, clean mobility and a healthier lifestyle.”
Otedola, chairman of Geregu Power Plc and one of Nigeria’s most prominent business figures, has recently posted videos and photographs of his cycling routines on social media, drawing reactions from fans and fitness enthusiasts.
Analysts say the Lagos government’s outreach reflects a growing strategy among public institutions to use celebrity influence and private sector partnerships to boost participation in sports, wellness and environmental campaigns.
The Cycle Fest is expected to feature recreational rides, awareness campaigns, fitness sessions and stakeholder engagements aimed at deepening cycling awareness across the state.
Lagos authorities have yet to announce whether Otedola has formally accepted the invitation to serve as the face of the initiative.
