Nigerian cyclist Emmanuel Myam, popularly known as Emmiwuks, has embarked on a daring solo bicycle expedition from Lagos, Nigeria, to the United States of America, with a noble mission: to raise awareness and support for orphaned and displaced children affected by conflict across Africa.
Though the distance between Nigeria and the United States spans approximately 8,573 kilometres (5,327 miles), the route is far from straightforward.
With no continuous land link between the two countries due to the Atlantic Ocean, Emmiwuks plans to cycle across challenging terrains—including the Sahara Desert and various conflict zones in Africa—before shipping his bicycle across the Atlantic, likely to South America, and continuing his journey northward through Central America to reach the United States.
The 25-year-old Benue State native officially began his journey on Tuesday, departing from the Lagos State University (LASU) gate.
Describing the trip as one of “purpose, passion, and unshakable belief,” Emmiwuks said that every kilometre he rides symbolizes the daily struggles and resilience of vulnerable African children.
“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 shared.
“Why a bicycle? Because it symbolises the uphill battles they face and overcome.”
Emmiwuks is no stranger to long-distance cycling. He first rose to public attention in 2022 after cycling from Makurdi to Lagos in a determined effort to meet his musical idol, Davido.
Reflecting on his background, Emmiwuks revealed that he moved to Lagos after school with nothing but a dream. He worked as a crane motor boy, earning just ₦15,000 a month, and saved enough to buy a broken bicycle frame, which he rebuilt with help from friends. That same bicycle carried him from Benue to Lagos in 15 days.
“That journey lit a fire in me,” he said.
In 2023, a life-threatening appendicitis episode reshaped his perspective on life. Surviving the health scare gave him a renewed drive to pursue his passions and give back to society.
Following that, he organized a cycling roadshow in Abuja in partnership with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria to promote health awareness—though the event didn’t go as planned, he pressed on with his vision.
Emmiwuks joins a growing list of Nigerians undertaking historic solo road journeys for impactful causes.
In April 2024, Pelumi Nubi, a content creator, completed a solo drive from London to Lagos in over two months.
In 2022, Kunle Adeyanju, famously called “The Lion Heart,” rode a motorbike from London to Lagos, raising funds for Rotary International’s anti-polio campaign.
Emmiwuks hopes his bicycle ride will not only draw global attention to the plight of displaced children but also inspire others to act with compassion and courage.
“This journey is about showing that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when driven by a powerful cause,” he added.
The journey ahead is filled with potential obstacles—from visa requirements, unpredictable weather, and logistical challenges for bike shipping, to security threats in unstable regions. But Emmiwuks remains undaunted.
As he pushes through continents on two wheels, he carries with him a message of hope, endurance, and purpose—reminding the world that even the most difficult paths can lead to meaningful change.