A NIGERIAN cyclist, Emmanuel Myam, popularly known as Emmiwuks, has set off on a solo bicycle journey from Lagos to the United States of America (USA).
Riding a bicycle from Nigeria to the United States of America is roughly 5,327 miles (8,573 kilometres).
There is no continuous land connection between Nigeria and the U.S due to the Atlantic Ocean.
He will cycle through regions like the Sahara Desert and conflict zones in Africa. He is also going to ship the bike across the Atlantic (e.g., to South America) and continue north through Central America.
Different factors, including inclement weather, shipping logistics, navigating unstable regions, visa requirements, security risks, and others, are some of the encounters he will face in this daring journey.
The 25-year-old Benue state native gained fame in 2022 for cycling from Makurdi to Lagos to meet music star Davido.
He explained that with this latest adventure, he aims to raise awareness and support for orphaned and displaced children affected by conflict across Africa.
Emmiwuks officially began his journey on Tuesday, taking off from the Lagos State University (LASU) gate.
He described the trip as one of “purpose, passion, and unshakable belief”.
On his Instagram page, he said: “My name is Emmiwuks, a proud African boy from Benue State, Nigeria, now based in Lagos. In 2023, I survived a near-death experience due to appendicitis. That second chance changed my perspective forever.
“I started chasing my dreams, exploring the world, and doing all I can to put smiles on faces wherever I go. After school, I came to Lagos with nothing but a dream.
“I worked as a crane motor boy earning N15,000/month. I saved what I could and bought a broken bicycle – just the frame. With friends’ support, I fixed it and rode from Benue to Lagos in 15 days.
“That journey lit a fire in me. In Abuja, I hosted a cycling road show with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria to promote cycling for health. It didn’t go as planned, but I didn’t give up.”
Pelumi Nubi, a content creator, achieved a similar feat in 2024 when she drove solo from London to Lagos by car.
After spending over two months on the road, Nubi arrived in Lagos on April 7, 2024.
Emmiwuks’ adventure reminds all and sundry of the audacious 47-year-old cyclist Kunle Adeyanju also known as “The Lion Heart”, who completed the London-to-Lagos trip with his motorbike in 2022. He embarked on this transcontinental journey to raise funds for Rotary International’s fight against polio.
He said, “A cycling journey from Nigeria to the United States to raise awareness and support for orphaned and displaced children affected by conflict across Africa.”
Emmi Wuks explained that his choice of transportation is deeply symbolic.
“This ride isn’t just about me. It’s about resilience, hope, and giving vulnerable kids a future. Every mile I pedal represents the strength these kids show every day,” he said.
“Why a bicycle? Because it symbolises the uphill battles they face and overcome.”