Against All Odds: Nigerian cyclist crosses continents to support fight against Polio

A Nigerian cyclist and humanitarian, Captain Olatunji Emmanuel Okedeyi, has started a long journey from London, United Kingdom, to Lagos, Nigeria. He is riding his bicycle across continents to raise awareness and funds for the global fight against polio.

Okedeyi began the trip about seven days ago and is currently passing through Morocco. He is expected to reach the border of Mauritania soon as he continues his journey back to Nigeria.

So far, he has passed through several major cities in Europe and North Africa, including Paris, Madrid, San Sebastián, Málaga, Casablanca, Marrakesh, Agadir, Laayoune, and Dakhla. The journey has tested his strength and determination.

He said the project, called “London to Lagos: Two Wheels, One Mission to End Polio,” is inspired by his background in a family of healthcare workers and his belief that good health is a basic human right.

According to him, the main goal is to support global efforts to completely eliminate polio, a disease that can still be prevented through vaccination.

He also introduced a fundraising idea called the “Kilometre Club,” where supporters can sponsor each kilometre of his journey. Donations will help support vaccination programmes, vaccine storage systems, and rehabilitation for people affected by polio.

One of the sponsors supporting the project is Prince Yinka Afonja, CEO of Ace Mall.

The journey is expected to cover more than 10,000 kilometres across different countries, with challenges such as difficult roads and changing weather conditions.

Despite the difficulties, Okedeyi says he is motivated by the support he is receiving and his desire to contribute to a polio-free world.

He also described the ride as a way of connecting his life in the United Kingdom with his Nigerian roots and encouraging people to protect the progress already made in eradicating polio.

Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus in 2020, but health experts say continued vaccination is still important to prevent the disease from returning.

Okedeyi hopes his journey will inspire more individuals and organisations to support the fight against polio and help make it a disease of the past.