ASO ROCK ASCEND

My day began at an astonishingly early 3:40 a.m., without the intrusive sound of an alarm. My mind was awake before the world stirred, and I took it as a sign and opportunity to worship my Lord and to start the day with early morning gratitude. I offered prayers, thanking Almighty Allah for His mercy and love in granting me another day. With a deep sense of appreciation, I kissed my plans for the day and immersed myself in remembrance of my Creator.

Today wasn’t just another day it was the day I would ascend Aso Rock alongside the Nigerian Army! My spirit was soaring with anticipation.

Morning Drama: The Road to Mambilla Barracks

The Army, known for their precision, set the meeting time for 6:00 a.m., leaving no room for delays. I planned to leave my house by 5:30 a.m., but the drama began with transportation woes. First, I tried booking a Bolt ride, only to be greeted with “No drivers available.” I switched to Uber, where they quoted me a staggering ₦10,560 for an advance booking 05:25a.m.. My bank balance laughed at the idea, so I went back to Bolt, which was still pricey at ₦5,300 and still no drivers.

Undeterred, I decided to improvise. I prayed for safety and stepped out, determined to make it to Mambilla Barracks. First, I chatted my neighbour up to asked if I could stepped out that early alone checking for safety reason, well his yet to reply. Walking alone in the early hours, I heard a dog bark in the distance. God o! My heart skipped a beat, but I wasn’t about to let a dog ruin my plans. I spotted a dry palm branch, armed myself, and kept walking a girl got to protect herself. To God be the glory, the dog didn’t bark again.

I eventually found a bike, which took me to the junction. From there, I caught a taxi and headed straight to the barracks. I arrived at 6:15 a.m., relieved to find that the group hadn’t left yet. After a quick call to Stephanie and Suleiman, who were also running late, I joined the group for the briefing at 6:20 a.m.

Scaling Aso Rock: The Climb of Endurance

The climb began at 6:30 a.m. sharp. Let me give you a brief about Aso rock: Aso Rock, standing at 400 meters (1,334 feet) above sea level, isn’t just a natural wonder it’s a historical and cultural symbol of Nigeria. The Presidential Villa rests at its base, and the rock itself signifies "victory" in the Asokoro language. Its formation, a result of millions of years of geological activity, is a testament to the power of nature.

The climb was no joke. Aso Rock is classified as a Grade A1 climb, challenging even for Army then imagine a civilian plus it no joke for a beginners. The trail involved rough roads, steep inclines, and dusty terrain. At one particularly steep section (60 degrees above sea level!), my heart felt like it might burst. I relied on the advice of a soldier, who told me to walk in a zigzag pattern to conserve energy. Still, every step felt like a battle.

Spider-Man mode kicked in as I crawled and clambered up the rock. At one point, I questioned my life choices: Why did I think this was a good idea? But turning back was not an option. Endurance and perseverance became my mantra.

Adding to the drama, an 8-year-old boy casually announced that he wasn’t even sweating. I laughed and told him, “Enjoy it while it lasts. When you hit my age, we’ll see who’s sweating!”

Interestingly, this experience taught me how capable our bodies are. We often underestimate how much energy we can naturally produce. With the right mind-set and preparation (hello, protein-rich meal from the day before!), my body delivered. No energy drinks, no snacks just determination and faith. The human body is like a power bank, and when charged with positivity and intention, it can surprise you.

The Mental Mind Game

Climbing Aso Rock wasn’t just a physical challenge; it was a mental game. My mind threw every possible excuse at me:

You’re tired.

You might fall.

But here’s the thing about mental strength: you can talk back! At every moment of doubt, I countered with, “You’ve got this,” The funniest part was seeing some climbers pretend to be okay while clutching their knees for dear life. One guy muttered, “I’ll never do this again,” but by the summit, he was grinning like a child on who just got a candy. The mind is tricky, but if you focus on the joy of the journey, it will reward you.

Moments of Inspiration at the Summit

We reached the summit at 7:49 a.m., greeted by foggy but breath-taking views of Abuja. I lay down to meditate, allowing the beauty and serenity to wash over me. The summit wasn’t just a physical accomplishment; it was a spiritual experience.

As we rested, the Commandant address us, and awards were presented to the fastest climbers. Conversations flowed as we shared our stories. One soldier overcame his fear of heights, while another climbed despite a kneel injury. Their determination inspired me deeply.

Among the climbers were elderly Indian hikers who moved with grace and strength. I silently admired them, praying to have their vitality at their age. A Korean climber joked about regretting the climb midway but admitted it was a rewarding experience.

Did you know that the first military general to officially ascend Aso Rock was General T.Y. Buratai in 2017? Alongside six other generals, they tackled the rock in a feat of endurance and determination. It’s humbling to think that I walked (and climbed!) in the footsteps of such trailblazers.

Descending with Confidence

The descent was another adventure. A soldier taught me the proper technique no sliding on my butt like others were doing! He motivated me like a coach, and I descended with a newfound confidence. Someone teased him about being too proud, and I quipped, “Let him be! This is Aso Rock descent, not a stroll in the park.”

At one point, the soldier left to run down the trail. Fuelled by adrenaline, I joined in, feeling like a superhero. By the time we reached the base at 10:00 a.m., I was brimming with pride. The soldiers jokingly welcomed me as an honorary “crack” a term for those who conquer Aso Rock.

Ending the Day: A Burst of Energy

You’d think after such a demanding day, I’d crash on the couch with a celebratory meal. Nope! My adrenaline was still at an all-time high, so I dove straight into household chores. Laundry? Done. Cooking? Handled. I even cleaned the house.

As I scrubbed, folded, and stirred, I marvelled at the energy my body could still produce. This wasn’t just physical strength it was an overflow of gratitude and purpose. Allah blessed me with a body capable of enduring challenges and a mind capable of pushing past limits.

Gratitude and Reflection

This climb wasn’t just about fitness; it was about community, resilience, and gratitude. Special thanks to Suleiman, whose jolly spirit and snacks kept us going, and to HappyTrails for invite to this annual December tradition with the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army do this every December.

Aso Rock left me with lessons I’ll carry forever:

Climbing Aso Rock wasn’t just about reaching the summit it was a masterclass in life lessons. One key takeaway is this: 

1.  There will always be roadblocks to test your determination. Like the barking dog that threatened to delay me at the start of my journey, challenges often show up uninvited. But here’s the real question: How badly do you want it?

When life throws obstacles in your path, look around for a solution, summon courage from within, and move past them. 

2. Being intentional isn’t just about having dreams; it’s about taking deliberate action to make them a reality. Another thing I learned is that being proactive and planning doesn’t guarantee a smooth ride. Challenges might still pop up. When they do, your ability to adapt and counter them determines your success. Whether it’s figuring out how to navigate transportation drama or pushing through the steep incline of Aso Rock, resilience and creativity are essential. 

3. And then there’s fitness a lifelong commitment. It’s never too early or too late to start taking care of your body. The climb reminded me that staying active isn’t just about physical health; it’s about honouring the vessel Allah has entrusted to you. Your body is capable of incredible things if you fuel it with intention and positivity. 

To everyone who climbed who climbed congratulations! We’re officially “cracks” now. Until the next adventure, I remain grateful, inspired, and ready to conquer whatever comes next.

What’s your “Aso Rock”?

Challenges are life’s way of asking, How badly do you want it? The roadblocks will come the barking dogs, the steep climbs but your courage and determination can move you past them. Whether it’s fitness, a personal goal, or a dream you’ve been putting off, take action today.

Don’t just wish for it climb for it. Your summit is waiting!