Nigerians have been asked to imbibe the culture of walking and riding bicycles to cushion the effect of high fuel prices just as the Federal Government has been asked to provide palliatives to manage the negative effect of the removal of oil subsidy on the citizens.
The President, Nigerian Baptist Convention and President All Africa Baptist Fellowship, Reverend Israel Akanji lamented the effect of the removal of the subsidy on Nigerian masses.
He spoke at a four-day retreat for about 37 Conference Presidents of the church, drawn from all parts of the country, in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital on Tuesday.
He said the removal of the fuel subsidy could be an advantage for the country if there is effective diversification.
“The hardship about movement these days should promote more walking. Many people if it is one kilometre they cannot walk, they will want a vehicle. If it is two kilometres they cannot walk, they will want a vehicle at all times. I think we should walk more now.
“We should again promote the usage of bicycles, so where it is three kilometres, you just discover that you are there in no time. You will see that you spend less using bicycle than using petrol with your car. If you are a journalist you can carry your camera by your side on a beautiful bicycle, you ride five kilometres, you are there and at the end of the day your body is better.
“So I think that what is happening should be to our advantage as a nation. We will encourage our own people to let them know that we should diversify, not use just one means, where we can walk, let’s walk, where we can trek let’s trek,” he Akanji said.