Nigerian journalist Ike-Chima sets off alone to tour 16 West Africa nations by road

Nigerian journalist and travel YouTuber, Desmond Ike-Chima, has launched a bold new initiative titled Project #TravelAfrica.

Ike-Chima, Editor and Founder of ‘ENigeria News’, and the creator of the fast-rising travel and lifestyle YouTube channel ‘Walker Diary’, is set to embark on a groundbreaking solo road trip across 16 West African countries.

The project, which kicks off in July, aims to uncover and document the authentic soul of Africa—its people, cultures, landscapes, and stories.

Popularly known as WALKER in the travel community, Ike-Chima describes the upcoming three-month journey as “an ambitious mission to tell Africa’s story from an African perspective.”

Having grown Walker Diary to over 10,000 subscribers, Ike-Chima has carved a niche with his unique storytelling style that blends adventure, cultural immersion, and personal reflection.

“It’s time to take the journey a notch further,” he says. From the bustling streets of Lagos to remote corners of the continent, Walker Diary is redefining African travel content with depth and purpose through impactful documentaries.

“I chose travel because it’s in my blood,” Desmond reflects. “My late dad made me his travel buddy in the ’90s. Those road trips shaped my childhood—and now they’re shaping my purpose.”

About Project #TravelAfrica – A Solo Road Trip Across West Africa

Project #TravelAfrica is more than a personal milestone, it is a daring effort to showcase Africa through African eyes. Desmond will travel solo by road, visiting cities, towns, and rural communities in 16 West African countries, capturing powerful human stories, age-old traditions, and stunning locations.

“This is the biggest risk I’ve ever taken,” he says. “But it’s also the most meaningful. I want to show the heart of Africa—beyond headlines, beyond borders.”

Despite concerns around insecurity, logistics, and funding, Ike-Chima remains undeterred. “Many brands rejected my sponsorship proposals, and a lot of people discouraged me,” he shares.

“But with help from one supportive friend and my personal savings, I’m going ahead solo and determined to become the first Nigerian travel YouTuber to document such a journey alone.”

Why Project #TravelAfrica Matters

Desmond believes that grassroots African stories remain underrepresented in both local and global media. His mission is to bridge this gap by producing real, relatable, and richly immersive content that reflects the continent’s culture, diversity, and humanity.

“Africa is filled with stories that matter—and I want to be the one to tell them: unfiltered, raw, and beautiful.”

He recalls how his passion for travel was born: “In the ’90s, my late father made me his travel buddy. We journeyed to many towns and cities across Nigeria, and I would ask endless questions. He always answered with patience and grace. Those trips shaped who I am today.”

After years in journalism, Desmond decided to transform his lifelong passion into a new creative platform. He credits popular Nigerian travel creator Tayo Aina for inspiring and mentoring him to launch Walker Diary, which has continued to grow and document inspiring African stories.

Conclusion

Ike-Chima’s upcoming journey across West Africa—Project #TravelAfrica, is more than a personal dream. It is a powerful redefinition of African travel content and a clarion call for Africans to own and tell their stories. From Lagos to Lomé, Banjul to Bamako, and Burkina Faso to Cape Verde, Walker Diary invites viewers on the journey of a lifetime.