Emmanuel Myam, the 25-year-old Nigerian adventurer popularly known as Emmiwuks, has reached Ghana in his daring solo bicycle journey from Lagos to the United States.
Emmiwuks kicked off his cross-continental quest on July 1, cycling through Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana in just 10 days.
The Benue state native, who gained fame in 2022 for cycling from Makurdi to Lagos to meet music star Davido, earlier revealed that his inspiration stems from personal struggles and a near-death experience in 2023.
He added that he aims to raise awareness and support for orphaned and displaced children affected by conflict across Africa.
On Wednesday, Emmiwuks took to Instagram to share his progress with photos from Ghana, while celebrating the milestone with his followers.
“Day 10Project NIG2USA. Welcome to Ghana. The land of warmth, rhythm, and strength,” he wrote.
“A new country, a new chapter, same mission, raising a voice for the displaced and the forgotten across Africa.
“Ghana, let’s ride this journey together. From Nigeria to the world, the movement is alive. Naija no dey carry last.”
Earlier in Benin Republic, Emmiwuks visited an orphanage, using donations from supporters to assist the children, an experience he said deeply moved him.
“Today, I visited an orphanage here in Benin with my little support and it touched me deeply,” he wrote.
“Seeing those children reminded me of the displaced people in my dear country and across Africa, suffering in silence because of insecurity.
“This journey isn’t just about cycling, it’s about giving them a voice. Every ride, every mile, is for them. But I can’t do it alone.
“Lend your voice. Share the story. Let’s ride this together. Stay strong kids I will be back for you soon.”
POSSIBILITIES OF RIDING A BICYCLE FROM NIGERIA TO THE US
Riding a bicycle from Nigeria to the United States, which is roughly 5,327 miles (8,573 kilometers), is an extraordinary challenge that involves significant logistical, geographical, and political hurdles.
Below is an analysis of the possibilities and challenges:
1. Geographical feasibility
– No direct land route: There is no continuous land connection between Nigeria and the US due to the Atlantic Ocean.
– Alternative routes: The closest feasible overland route would involve cycling through Africa, shipping the bike across the Atlantic (e.g., to South America), and continuing north through Central America. However, this would require visas, shipping logistics, and navigating unstable regions.
2. Political and bureaucratic challenges
– Border crossings: The journey would require traversing multiple countries with varying visa requirements, security risks, and bureaucratic delays.
– US entry: Entering the US via land (e.g., Mexico) would still require a visa and customs clearance for the bicycle.
3. Practical considerations
– Terrain and safety: Cycling through regions like the Sahara Desert or conflict zones in Africa poses extreme risks, including dehydration, banditry, and lack of infrastructure.
– Ocean crossing: Shipping the bicycle (e.g., via cargo ship) would be necessary, adding cost and complexity.
(The Cable)
