inDrive South Africa, in partnership with the TEARS Foundation, recently hosted a youth mobility training session aimed at building a culture of safety, respect and accountability for students and young commuters in South Africa. The training focused on the practical realities young commuters face on South Africa’s roads and in public transport, including risks associated with unsafe routes, unfamiliar drivers, and online threats that can spill into daily life.

“Our goal is to make every journey safer for all commuters, especially young people and students, who are statistically more vulnerable to risks in transit, including accidents, harassment and gender-based violence,” said Ashif Black, CountryRepresentative for inDrive South Africa. 

Beyond the visible tools, inDrive’s backend safety measures, such as AI moderation, profile verification, liveness checks, and complaint response systems, work continuously to block harmful behavior and enhance rider security.

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Making journeys safer 

Transport can present safety challenges for young people, especially women, who often face a higher risk of gender-based violence. This is why it’s important to create safer, more supportive mobility options. In 2024 alone, the TEARS Foundation fielded over 75,000 requests for assistance, underscoring the scale of the crisis and the urgent need for proactive safety measures.  As such, in addition to personal safety measures, inDrive showcased its in-app safety tools, including the SOS button, Share Trip feature, Trusted Contacts, in-app calls to protect personal numbers and 24/7 support.

“Our mission is to give young people the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate transport safely, so they can move freely and with dignity,” said Mara Glennie, Founder & Chief Executive Office at the TEARS Foundation. “What’s more, when youth are informed and vigilant, they become powerful agents of change in their communities.”

The training reinforced that safety is a shared responsibility. Respect, accountability, and vigilance are values that protect both passengers and drivers, creating a safer transport ecosystem for everyone.

“We want young people using inDrive to feel safe, supported and in control,” said Black. “Young commuters face real risks on our roads and in public transport, and it’s critical they know how to protect themselves and each other.”

In a landmark event underscoring its commitment to national development and grassroots empowerment, Kerojet Services Limited, Nigeria’s leading indigenous supplier of Jet A1 aviation fuel, has commissioned a state-of-the-art ICT Center for the Ipaja community, officially named the NASFAT Youth Information Tech Center (NASYITEC). Executed through the company’s philanthropic arm, The Pillar’s Dream Living Foundation, this project marks a significant step toward bridging the digital divide for local youth and strengthening Nigeria’s knowledge economy.

Founded in 2016, Kerojet Services Limited has rapidly expanded its operations across the country, with aviation fueling stations now active in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Jos, Port Harcourt, Kebbi, Kaduna, Yola, Sokoto, and Maiduguri. The company’s reach extends beyond national borders, fueling both domestic and international airlines and reinforcing Nigeria’s aviation sector as a competitive player on the global stage.

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“We believe true progress is measured not just by business growth, but by the impact we make in people’s lives,” said Mr. Femi Balogun, Managing Director of Kerojet Services Limited. “Commissioning this ICT Center is about unlocking possibilities for the youth of Ipaja, helping them gain skills, access opportunities, and dream bigger. Our expansion across Nigeria and into the international aviation market has given us a platform, and we’re determined to use it to empower communities wherever we operate.”

Mr. Balogun continued, “At Kerojet, our business philosophy is grounded in both innovation and integrity. Our fueling stations in ten strategic Nigerian cities are more than just assets; they’re touchpoints for creating value, jobs, and technical excellence across the country. As we extend our services to the international aviation industry, we’re focused on setting industry benchmarks for safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. We see every market we enter as a chance to raise standards, not only for our clients, but for the communities that host us. That’s why investments like this ICT Center matter: we want to fuel progress at every level, from tarmacs to classrooms.”

Hon. Olaniyan Michael, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Lagos State, lauded the initiative: “This is the kind of public-private partnership Lagos State champions. By investing in technology and skills, Kerojet is investing in the future of our youth and our economy. We encourage more industry leaders to emulate this approach.”

He added, “Investment in technology and innovative ideas remains the most powerful driver for Nigeria’s advancement. When businesses like Kerojet step up to provide access to tools and training, we see a ripple effect that transforms the business landscape, unlocking new opportunities, making our economy more competitive, and placing Nigeria firmly on the map as a hub for innovation. The aviation industry itself is a prime example: it has thrived because of ongoing technological progress, from safety systems to digital operations. Kerojet’s gesture is not only commendable; it is essential for building a future-ready nation.”

Alhaji Abdulwaheed Ayodeji, President of NASFAT Ipaja Branch, expressed deep appreciation for Kerojet’s commitment: “What we witness today is more than the gift of technology; it is the gift of hope and a future for our youth. This ICT Center will be a beacon for our community, opening doors to knowledge and opportunity that were once out of reach. On behalf of NASFAT and the entire Ipaja community, we thank Kerojet Services Limited and Mr. Femi Balogun for this life-changing gesture.”

He continued, “This partnership sets a new benchmark for how corporate organizations can work hand-in-hand with local communities. By empowering our young people with digital skills, we are not only preparing them for jobs of today, but for the challenges and innovations of tomorrow. This center will ignite ambitions, foster creativity, and build leaders.”

Kerojet’s transformational drive is evident not only in philanthropy but in its core business. The company has redefined aviation fueling in Nigeria with precision, safety, and integrity, earning the trust of both local and international airline partners. Its ongoing investment in people and infrastructure demonstrates a vision where business success uplifts entire communities.

As the newly commissioned ICT Center opens its doors, Kerojet Services Limited reaffirms its commitment: fueling planes, powering communities, and inspiring the next generation of Nigerian innovators.

In a landmark initiative aimed at improving daily life, LG Electronics has commissioned a solar-powered borehole system and mobile laundry cabin in Abeokuta, offering residents free access to clean water and laundry services. The project underscores LG’s commitment to leveraging innovative technology to strengthen communities and enhance quality of life.

More than just infrastructure, the dual initiative embodies care, innovation, and community dignity. At its heart, the solar-powered borehole provides sustainable, reliable access to potable water, an essential daily resource. By harnessing renewable energy, the system operates independently of the power grid, ensuring 24/7 availability for the community.

Complementing the borehole is a mobile laundry cabin, equipped with washing machines and dryers powered by clean energy. Residents can use the facility free of charge from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday, promoting hygiene, convenience, and social inclusion.

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“Beyond providing water and laundry services, this project embodies dignity, well-being, and hope,” said Mr. Choongbae Seok, General Manager, Media Solutions, TV Division, LG Electronics West Africa. “By combining renewable energy with community service, we are setting a new benchmark for social impact projects in Ogun State.”

“This initiative is part of a broader vision to empower communities through sustainable solutions, providing not only essential resources but also a renewed sense of pride, dignity, and possibility for the people of Abeokuta, he said.”

The initiative is designed to enhance quality of life, support health, and foster social inclusion. By providing sustainable access to clean water and free laundry services, LG demonstrates its commitment to environmentally responsible solutions that deliver tangible benefits to local communities.

“This is a game-changer for our community,” said Mr. Oladipupo Taofeek, CDA Chairman, Ikija Community. “For years, residents have struggled with access to clean water and basic laundry facilities. LG’s initiative not only solves these problems but also shows how technology and compassion can work together to improve lives.”

“We commend LG Electronics for this innovative project,” said Hon. Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi, Honourable Commissioner for Housing, Ogun State. Represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Housing, Mr. Kolawole Agemo, “By providing sustainable access to clean water and hygiene services, this initiative not only improves living conditions but also demonstrates how private sector partnerships can drive real change in communities across Ogun State.”

The solar-powered borehole features advanced filtration technology to ensure safe drinking water, while the mobile laundry cabin includes energy-efficient machines and space for multiple users, allowing residents to access services simultaneously.

Beyond the practical support, the initiative is a symbol of care, innovation, and social responsibility, reflecting LG’s commitment to creating lasting, meaningful impact. It is designed to uplift the community, by enhancing quality of life, promoting health and hygiene, and reinforcing the idea that sustainable development is most impactful when it touches real lives and restores hope.

With over 60 million Nigerians still lacking access to basic clean water, efforts like LG’s Life’s Good Initiative are critical for achieving national development goals. By powering boreholes with solar energy, LG ensures sustainability, even in off-grid areas, and sets a new standard for corporate social responsibility in Nigeria. The addition of free laundry services and gadget maintenance reflects a holistic approach to well-being, one that goes beyond necessity to deliver dignity and comfort.

In addition to addressing water scarcity, LG’s Life’s Good Initiative promotes broader well-being in line with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. Free laundry services and electronics servicing help reduce the spread of waterborne diseases, support daily hygiene, and lighten the everyday burdens on vulnerable families. Through these efforts, LG Electronics is demonstrating how businesses can lead with purpose, building stronger, healthier communities and advancing progress toward a more equitable world where everyone has a fair shot at a better life.

LG Electronics will continue to work closely with local authorities and community leaders to expand these initiatives, striving for a future where every Nigerian community enjoys the right to clean water, sanitation, and a better quality of life.

The commissioning ceremony brought together community leaders, residents, and development partners to celebrate the launch of a project that exemplifies compassion, sustainability, and progress.