Bamenda: BUNS donates over 700 helmets to bike riders in New Year safety drive.

The Holy Mass was presided over by the Archbishop of the Bamenda Archdiocese, His Grace Andrew Fuanya Nkea. 

The event brought together hundreds of commercial motorbike riders from across the city, who attended prayers and blessings ahead of 2026.

According to BUNS, distributing the helmets forms part of its corporate social responsibility through a road safety initiative linked to its ongoing construction activities in the city of Bamenda. 

BUNS Construction, owned by Eric Njong, a native of the North West Region, is known for major infrastructure projects in the country, including the Bamenda-Babadjou Road. 

The renowned company is currently executing the Bamenda Inner City Roads project, which forms part of the urban crossing works in the regional capital. 

The December 31, 2025 donation targeted riders who rely daily on Bamenda’s roads for their livelihoods.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of BUNS, a representative of the company outlined the motivation behind the gesture. 

He stressed that the initiative was not only about corporate social responsibility but also about recognising the daily risks faced by commercial motorbike riders in Bamenda. He emphasised that the gesture was rooted in solidarity, safety, and the CEO’s personal connection to the community.

“The CEO says since he started working on the Bamenda urban crossing, he cannot forget his own brothers who make their living on roads. Good roads are for everybody and for commercial bike riders, these helmets will guarantee their health and safety,” the representative said.

The message from BUNS also included a call for safer conduct on Bamenda’s busy roads, urging both riders and passengers to adopt safer habits. 

Speaking with emphasis on discipline and caution, the representative underlined that the company’s gesture was not only about equipment, but about changing behaviour to reduce accidents and protect lives.

“We appeal to bike riders to strictly follow road safety rules, and we appeal to road users and those who use commercial motorbikes to insist that they ride gently so they can all make it to their destinations,” the representative added.

Enter Archbishop Nkea 

The Archbishop of Bamenda welcomed the donation and used the occasion to address motorcycle riders directly in his homily. 

He urged them to make proper use of the helmets and to approach their work with responsibility and discipline. 

“We called commercial bike riders to come together so we can thank God, and bless them. For the year 2026, we have asked God to give them gracia. Those who have one bike may have two,” Archbishop Nkea stated.

During the mass, the Archbishop reminded transport workers not to take God’s love for granted in their daily activities. He encouraged riders to demonstrate dignity in their profession and to counter negative perceptions through their conduct on the roads. 

“Commercial motorbike riders are not any kind of people. We cannot use a few bad examples to stigmatise the entire group and condemn everyone. Commercial motorbike riding is a job with dignity and the bike riders are working hard and well to provide for their families,” the Archbishop underscored. 

At the end of the mass, prayers were offered for the safety and progress of transport workers as they move into the new year. Before handing over the donations, His Grace Andrew Nkea blessed the protective gear as well as the motorcycles of the commercial motorbike riders. He concluded by calling on them to value their lives and those of their passengers.

Beneficiaries thank BUNS for lifesaving helmets

Several beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation for the donation, noting that the helmets were not just gifts but vital tools for their survival and daily work. They explained that the protective gears would help them continue their trade with greater confidence, reducing the risks they face on Bamenda’s challenging roads.

One rider said, “this helmet will help us too much...they will help prevent accidents”. 

Another beneficiary added: “I thank BUNS for providing these helmets. These helmets will go a long way to ease our work and will prevent accidents”. 

It is worth noting that commercial motorcycle riding remains a major source of employment for thousands of youths in Bamenda and other towns across Cameroon, particularly in the context of limited job opportunities. 

The sector plays a key role in urban mobility, connecting neighbourhoods and supporting daily economic activities across the country.

Mercy Fosoh

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3663 of Sunday January 04, 2025