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Nigerian adventurer Emmanuel Myam, popularly known as Emmiwuks, has reached a new milestone in his audacious bicycle expedition from Nigeria to the United States, officially entering Sierra Leone as the seventh country on his route.
In a post on X earlier today, the 25-year-old cyclist shared his exhilaration and reflections: “Today, I officially crossed into Sierra Leone, country number 7 on this incredible journey. Every border I cross comes with a mixture of emotions, gratitude for how far I’ve come, excitement for what lies ahead, and humility knowing this road is not easy but it is worth it. This is more than just cycling, it is about carrying a message of hope, love, and unity across Africa.”
Emmiwuks, hailing from Benue State and based in Lagos, embarked on this solo ride in early July, starting from the Lagos State University gate. Dubbed #NIG2USA, the journey aims to raise awareness and support for orphaned and displaced children affected by conflicts across Africa, with Emmiwuks emphasizing the symbolic nature of his bicycle: “Why a bicycle? Because it symbolizes the uphill battles they face and overcome.”
His path through West Africa has included Benin, Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Liberia, where he spent time engaging with local communities. In Liberia, he rode alongside the Sinkor Riders cycling group, visited the Phebe Grey Memorial Orphanage, and was hosted by the Nigerian Embassy in Monrovia, describing the reception as “the greatest I have experienced since I started this journey.” He also met fellow cyclist Emmanuel from Ghana at the Liberia-Sierra Leone border, who is completing a 9,000+ km ride from Germany to Ghana.
The expedition, covering roughly 5,327 miles (8,573 kilometers) to the USA, faces immense challenges, including no direct land route across the Atlantic Ocean. Emmiwuks plans to ship his bike, possibly to South America, before continuing north through Central America, navigating deserts, conflict zones, visa issues, and security risks.
This isn’t Emmiwuks’ first bold venture; in 2022, he cycled from Makurdi to Lagos in nine days to meet Nigerian music star Davido. The current trip has sparked mixed reactions online, with supporters praising his resilience and critics questioning its feasibility, some even petitioning authorities to intervene for safety reasons.
Reflecting on his entry into Sierra Leone, Emmiwuks noted, “Liberia embraced me like family, and now Sierra Leone has opened its doors to me. I step into this land with joy and expectation, believing that the same love and brotherhood I’ve seen so far will continue here.” He reiterated the communal spirit: “This journey is not just mine, it belongs to every African child, every dreamer, every heart that believes we can build a better tomorrow together. Together we ride. Together we rise. VIVA AFRICA.”
Emmiwuks continues to document his progress on X (@emmiwuks), where he has over 8,700 followers, and accepts donations via GoFundMe to support his cause. As he pedals onward, his story serves as a testament to African perseverance and the power of unity in the face of adversity.
