Adejuwon Oshadipe

Here’s a quick write up on getting into motorcycling safely. Now, regardless of gears (the safety accessories that one wears) some accidents will result in loss of limbs or worse, death. But still you should wear your gears all the time If I had worn frame 2 (chest and spine protector) on the day of my accident I most likely would have walked away from my own accident instead of suffering a spinal cord injury. Before buying a bike or at least riding I recommend that new riders purchase gears. I’m not in favor of used gears but that is better than none. Having supported automobile manufacture in the U.S. I recognize the effort and thus the effect of research and development. A Nissan Micra can never be as safe as a Nissan Maxima. So if you have a $100 head then buy a $100 helmet and expect $100 protection. If you have a $2,500 head then for gods sake buy the better helmet. I saw at least two power bike riders today in Ibadan riding without any gears. I shuddered. First frame is a helmet. Buy the best you can afford. If you can’t afford Shoei, Arai, SEDICI, then don’t waste your money. You also want a full face helmet. I’ll never own a modular again. Second frame is the chest and spine protector. It’s a must have and wear. Third frame is a full riding suit. It’s ungodly uncomfortable but skin grafts are uncomfortable. Fourth frame is a neck protector. I think that may be optional.

In 2008, when land in Awoyaya was still bush and promise, my uncle took a leap of faith. He wasn’t rich. ₦100,000 was not small money to him then. It was years of savings, small contracts, and discipline. But he believed in tomorrow.