In a bold and unprecedented adventure, Nigerian cyclist Emmanuel Myam, popularly known as Emmiwuks, has set off on a solo bicycle journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to the United States of America with a humanitarian mission at its core.
The 25-year-old Benue State native officially began his journey on Tuesday at the Lagos State University (LASU) gate, embarking on what he describes as a ride of “purpose, passion, and unshakable belief.” His mission is to raise awareness and support for orphaned, displaced, and vulnerable children across Africa who continue to face hardship as a result of conflict and instability.
Covering an estimated 8,500 kilometers, the trip will take Emmiwuks through some of the world’s most difficult terrains, including the Sahara Desert and conflict-prone regions of Africa. Since there is no continuous land connection between Africa and the U.S., he plans to ship his bicycle across the Atlantic Ocean—likely from West Africa to South America—before resuming his ride northward through Central America into the United States.
“This ride isn’t just about me,” Emmiwuks explained. “It’s about resilience, hope, and giving vulnerable kids a future. Every mile I pedal represents the strength these children show every day. A bicycle is symbolic—it mirrors the uphill battles they face and the determination it takes to overcome them.
Emmiwuks’ journey is rooted in personal transformation. In 2023, he survived a near-fatal appendicitis, an experience he says changed his perspective on life. Motivated by a second chance, he turned to cycling as a tool for purpose and advocacy.
He first gained public attention in 2022 when he cycled from Makurdi to Lagos in 15 days to meet Nigerian music star Davido. Later, he organized a cycling road show in Abuja with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria to promote cycling for health. Though it didn’t meet expectations, he said it taught him resilience.
Growing up in Benue and later moving to Lagos with little more than ambition, Emmiwuks worked menial jobs, including as a crane motor boy earning ₦15,000 per month. With those earnings, he purchased a broken bicycle frame, which he later restored with the help of friends. That single act, he said, “lit a fire in me” that has now grown into an international mission.
His journey echoes the feats of other daring adventurers from Nigeria. In 2022, Kunle Adeyanju, famously nicknamed The Lion Heart, rode a motorbike from London to Lagos to raise funds for Rotary International’s fight against polio. Similarly, in 2024, content creator Pelumi Nubi drove solo from London to Lagos, arriving to a hero’s welcome after more than two months on the road.
Emmiwuks hopes his Lagos–U.S. journey will not only earn admiration but also channel global attention toward the plight of Africa’s most vulnerable children.
In a statement shared via Instagram, he appealed for solidarity:
“This effort is dedicated to raising awareness and support for orphaned, displaced, and vulnerable children across Africa. These children, through no fault of their own, face unimaginable hardships. My goal is to shine a light on their struggles and inspire lasting change. Every mile I travel is a step toward a better future for them.
”He invited individuals, organizations, and well-wishers to support the mission through donations, advocacy, or by simply spreading the word.
As Emmiwuks pedals through deserts, uncertain climates, and political borders, his journey is expected to test not just his endurance but also his faith in humanity’s collective power to create change.
