Pedalling Through Time: The 75-Year-Old Ice Cream Vendor Who Refuses to Quit

In the bustling heart of Lagos Island, where the streets never sleep, one man has quietly defied time, hardship, and the odds for over 57 years—armed with nothing but a bicycle, sheer determination, and an undying work ethic.

At 75 years old, Oladimeji Lawal, affectionately known as “Felele” or “Pandy Joe,” still pedals through the ever-chaotic roads of Lagos, selling ice cream to generations of schoolchildren and residents. While many of his peers have long retired, he continues to ride, not out of passion alone, but because he has no pension, no retirement plan, and no financial safety net.

From a Young Cycle Boy to a Lagos Island Legend

Born in Ibadan in 1950, Lawal’s life took an unexpected turn in 1968 when he was hired as a cycle boy for an ice cream business. His exceptional riding skills landed him the job, but it was a tragic accident in Ibadan that altered his course. Encouraged by customers, he moved to Lagos in 1969, hoping for better fortune.

The move paid off—for a time. Business was booming, and in the golden years of ice cream vending, he earned enough to rent an apartment in Maroko and even buy land—a crucial step toward securing his future.

But fate had other plans.

In 1990, his dreams crumbled overnight when the military government of Raji Rasaki demolished the entire Maroko community, rendering thousands homeless—including Lawal. His hard-earned land was gone, and with it, his hopes for a comfortable future.

A Lifetime of Pedalling, No End in Sight

As ice cream sales declined in the late 1980s, reality hit hard—Lawal had no retirement benefits, no savings, and no way out. By the time he realized this, he was already in his 50s, too late to start over. The bicycle became both his burden and his lifeline.

While some of his former customers became successful, he remained on the streets, witnessing the city evolve around him. Some of these prominent figures even bought him a new bicycle when his old one gave out, but Lawal never once resorted to begging.

“The only benefit we get from the company is a raincoat every ten years,” he lamented. “They used to repair our bicycles, but not anymore.”

Dreams of a Shop, A Hope for Rest

Now at 75, age has caught up with him. He takes more breaks, his body weary from decades of pedalling. But he still dreams—not of wealth, but of a small shop where he can store ice cream and soft drinks, so he doesn’t have to roam the streets all day.

“If I don’t ride my bicycle for a day, I feel weak. My body is already used to it.”

A Man of Honor, A Life of Sacrifice

Despite the struggles, Lawal refuses to be a burden to his children, insisting they focus on their own lives. He has outlived his wife, lost everything he worked for, yet still wakes up every morning at 8 a.m., mounts his bicycle at 9 a.m., and pedals until sundown.

And while others chase riches, Lawal holds onto something far more profound: his name, his dignity, and his unbreakable spirit.

“At least, I am not begging for alms,” he says with quiet pride. “For that, I give thanks to God.”

A Cry for Help or A Story of Resilience?

Pa Lawal’s story is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking. It is a testament to hard work, sacrifice, and the brutal reality of life without financial security. The question remains: Will society step in to help this Lagos icon finally rest, or will he pedal until the very end?

Odyssey Media House Launches with Vibrant Event in Bradford, Promising to Ignite Creative Potential and Enrich Arts and Culture

Bradford, UK  – Odyssey Media House CIC officially launched on February 22nd at The Event Place, marking the beginning of a dynamic creative organisation dedicated to fostering innovation, supporting diverse voices, and enriching the arts and culture landscape within the Bradford community and beyond. The launch event was a resounding success, attracting artists, cultural leaders, and community members from across the creative industries and the local community.

Odyssey Media House, a Community Interest Company, aims to support the production of quality films, events, and music that inspire, engage, and contribute meaningfully to the cultural fabric of the region. The launch event showcased the brand’s striking blue and copper colour scheme and introduced its leadership team: Oluwadamilola Adetomiwa (Executive Director), Marvellous Godson (Creative Director), Abayomi Adebisi (Productions Director), and Gbola Jesu (Marketing and PR Director).
“Today marks more than the launch of a company; we ignite a belief. A belief born from a simple truth: ‘It Can Be,'” stated Executive Director, Oluwadamilola Adetomiwa, in his opening speech. “Odyssey Media is built on this very principle. We see the untapped potential of diverse voices, creatives, and underrepresented groups, brimming with artistic ideas waiting to be unleashed. We are here to say ‘It Can Be’ to their artistic dreams. With Odyssey Media House, ‘It Can Be’ inspiring, ‘It Can Be’ creative, and ‘It Can Be’ a truly memorable contribution to arts and culture.”

Marketing and PR Director, GbolaJesu Amusa, shared the vision and mission of Odyssey, bringing guests closer to the driving force of Odyssey Media House. “As active members of the creative and cultural community, Odyssey Media House is committed to pushing artistic boundaries and exploring new storytelling methods. The organization will collaborate with talented artists and creatives from diverse backgrounds to showcase unique artistic visions and produce thought-provoking content that resonates culturally.”

The event also featured the unveiling of Odyssey Media House’s signature projects in film, events, and music, expertly shot by Production Director, Abayomi Adebisi and directed by Marvellous Godson, creative director of Odyssey Media House. In presenting the new projects, the Creative Director emphasized these pilot projects as demonstrating the organization’s commitment to serving the creative community and extending the reach of arts and culture activities to underserved communities and supporting voices within that space that need room for expression. The audience was thrilled by testimonials from first artist, O’Phils, and the Executive Director of OAK Initiative UK CIC, who shared positive recommendations from previous collaborations with the team.

The launch then flowed into a lively drinks reception and networking session, carefully curated by Odyssey Media House to kickstart our promise of supporting diverse voices by creating meaningful connections. The room buzzed with creatives from film, events, and music, sharing their visions and sparking new ideas. This launch and networking event is just the beginning of many opportunities we will create for creatives, artists and entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and bring their creative dreams to life.

Odyssey Media House is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive space for artists and audiences through culturally focused events, workshops, and networking opportunities. The organization’s mission is to deliver exceptional and memorable creative experiences that delight, inspire, and enrich the cultural landscape, creating a lasting impact on the cultural and economic vitality of the UK by supporting diverse artistic voices, promoting innovation in the arts, and providing opportunities for emerging talent in the cultural sector.

About Odyssey Media House CIC:
Odyssey Media House CIC is a dynamic creative organization based in Bradford, UK, dedicated to fostering innovation, supporting diverse artistic voices, and delivering exceptional creative experiences that enrich arts and culture. The organization supports production quality films, events, and music, collaborating with talented artists and creatives to showcase their unique artistic visions.
Contact:
GbolaJesu Amusa
Marketing and PR Director
Odyssey Media House CIC
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin: Odyssey Media House: Overview | LinkedIn
Website: www.theodysseymediahouse.com
Phone Number: 07599646868

Youth Ambassador, Idahosa Makes Case for State Diaspora Agencies

Ambassador Collins Idahosa, Governor of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), European Chapter, has called on Nigerian authorities to consider institutionalising diaspora agencies at state level across the nation.

Idahosa, who is also the Brand Ambassador for The Global Clusters, a networking platform for entrepreneurs and nation builders, emphasised that the importance of the agency for national development cannot be overstated.

In a statement to THECONSCIENCE NG on Wednesday ahead of his birthday on Thursday, the youth ambassador urged Nigerian states to take a bold and strategic step in that regard.

According to the birthday message and call to action titled “State Diaspora Agencies: A Missing Link in Nigeria’s Development Strategy,” while the federal government has made commendable efforts through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), meaningful diaspora engagement must also be embraced at the state level.

“States must take ownership of engaging their own citizens abroad—those who maintain family ties, support community projects, and wish to be part of their state’s future.”

The statement noted that “in 2023 alone, remittances from Nigerians abroad exceeded $20 billion—a figure that surpasses foreign direct investment and official development assistance combined.

“These funds support millions of households, drive local businesses, finance education, build homes, and provide emergency relief. However, beyond remittances, the Nigerian diaspora contributes through skills transfer, investments, technology partnerships, and global advocacy. These contributions reflect a deep connection to home and an untapped resource for structured development.”

The Global Clusters Ambassador commended Edo and Kwara states, which he said “have taken deliberate steps to establish diaspora-focused agencies and offices.”

He remarked: “The Edo State Diaspora Agency, recently reinforced by the appointment of Dr. Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor as Director-General, stands as a commendable example of institutionalising diaspora engagement. Similarly, Kwara State’s Office of Diaspora Matters reflects a forward-looking vision by recognising the value of its global citizens.”

He also acknowledged states such as Abia, Ondo, Lagos, and Anambra for appointing Commissioners or Special Assistants for Diaspora Affairs.

He insisted that while these efforts are encouraging, they are insufficient, as a Commissioner or Special Assistant can drive political will and offer visibility, but without a formal agency, there is no continuity, resource mobilisation, or programme implementation.

He further explained that a dedicated diaspora agency provides a permanent institutional framework for planning, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of diaspora engagements.

He stated that it also enables states to align policies with NiDCOM and benefit from federal-level support and bilateral diaspora partnerships.

Speaking further, he explained that beyond government initiatives, innovative platforms like The Global Clusters, led by Ambassador Adekunle Badmus, are already pioneering solutions that align with this vision. As a Brand Ambassador for The Global Clusters, Idahosa said he has seen firsthand how this dynamic global platform is transforming engagement among entrepreneurs, professionals, and technocrats, fostering strategic connections and sustainable development.

He concluded that state governments must explore partnerships with platforms like The Global Clusters to maximise the contributions of their diaspora populations, drive innovation, and create sustainable economic opportunities.