Hiking, Laughter & Strength: Celebrating International Women's Day with Naija Adventure

the Trail setters pilot ladies

Every hike has a story, just like every brave woman who shines her light despite the challenges she faces. Women are nurturers, kind, compassionate, sweet, and strong keeping the world in balance. Before I dive into our hiking adventure, here’s a brief history of International Women’s Day (IWD).

A Quick Dive into International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8th to honor women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality. Established in 1911 and officially recognized by the UN in 1977, IWD focuses on celebrating progress, raising awareness about gender inequalities, and driving change. Each year comes with a unique theme, symbolized by purple for justice, green for hope, and white for purity. The day is marked by marches, discussions, and social media campaigns with hashtags like #IWD2025 and #EmbraceEquity. This year theme is accelerate with action #acceleratewithaction

Now, let’s give flowers to 10 remarkable women who have made the world more balanced:

Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan) – Education activist and youngest Nobel laureate.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria) – First female and African WTO Director-General.

Michelle Obama (USA) – Advocate for girls’ education and author of Becoming.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia) – First female African president and Nobel laureate.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (Nigeria) – Author and feminist advocate.

Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand) – Former Prime Minister known for compassionate leadership.

Greta Thunberg (Sweden) – Climate activist who mobilized global youth movements.

Tarana Burke (USA) – Founder of the #MeToo movement.

Wangari Maathai (Kenya) – Environmentalist and first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (USA) – Former Supreme Court Justice and gender equality advocate.

These women have reshaped the world in leadership, education, activism, and equality.

Now, Back to Our IWD Hike!

I was awake as early as 04:00a.m. had my Sahur that predawan meal then say my prayer. Attending to my plants (because, priorities!).  Then, I set off with my estate neighbor, Beca, for our first meeting point in the city. At the park, we met a fellow hiker from another group, exchanged pleasantries, and then Adventure lord and Mohammed drove in. Monic, ever the saleswoman, wasted no time approaching everyone for their tickets. Tamara arrived, and we were happy to see her. Then came Emen, the tall, fine girl. We couldn’t resist teasing Tamara about her short outfit after all, it’s tradition!

Naija Adventure made sure the women led the trail and handled announcements. Energy Doctor gave a briefing, and by 8:15 AM, we were on our way. I was multitasking, attending a Telegram meeting with my Sisters of the Qur'an while in the car with Mr. Harri. Peruzzi joined us to lead the group.

Our next stop was Shoprite, Lugbe, the second meeting point. Since it we are heading to Kuje those at lubge and it environ meet there.

Upon arrival at Centenary City, Kuje, we met up with Mr. Henry (our elder and leader), Ms. Claudia, Mr. Solomon, Chef T, and others who were already waiting.

 I received a tender bear hug from Chef T and Ms. Claudia (always a heartwarming moment). Miss Tega made the announcement, and together, we led the trail.

Of course, the men couldn't resist teasing us about not leading them astray (like we don’t know what we’re doing!). Some of them even hurried ahead, making Tega anxious that they’d get lost. Peruzzi, ever the voice of reason, reassured her, and I seconded, it’s different setting trails than leading a whole crowd on a Saturday! Peruzzi dey try o! 

The Climb, The Banter & The Laughter

We made our first rest stop, I announced with full hiker energy. People held their waists, some leaned on each other for support, I told them they are wrong for doing so and someone jokingly said even breathing too. I laughed and added, “Yes, don’t breathe too much o!” cue more laughter.

After 20 minutes, we moved again. Some folks decided to be adventurers and followed a different route only to rejoin us when they realized they weren’t on the right path. Lesson learned: Follow who sabi road!

As we ascended, someone teasingly said, “On your mandate we stand, ma!” I just smiled and kept moving. Twenty minutes later, we reached the summit. Everyone found a spot to sit, and I jokingly reminded them, “This is the second rest stop, so no resting too much!” one guy gave me the bombastic side-eye. People were exhausted 😩,  some were already put off their shirt. 

The climb got tougher, but when we finally reached the summit, the view was breathtaking! You could see the roads, houses, and an endless stretch of fine landscape. The best part? The summit always has space for everyone. Want a secluded spot? You’ll find one. Need fresh air? The breeze here is better than any AC.

At the peak, we gave a shoutout to all the amazing women, encouraging the men to celebrate the women in their lives. Then, the much-anticipated refreshment time arrived zobo, energy drinks, peppered goat meat pure bliss!

The celebrity trainer led an aerobic session, while our ever-talented photographer, Mr. Solomon, captured the moments. Ms. Claudia wandered off to take in the view, while I found a quiet spot to say my Dhuha prayer. Ms. Tega joined me, scouting for a "convenient spot" to relieve herself.

Celebrity trainer 

Meanwhile, Tamara and Beca bought Tiger Nut drinks but conveniently didn’t get me one because I was fasting. Their excuse? “You’re fasting, so you don’t need it.” Hmm. Tamara later promised to bring me something next hike yippy!

Some people played whot, while Vivian teased Bala about fasting, and OVO doubted I was even fasting at all apparently, I didn't look like I was suffering enough! My dear, who said fasting means looking like you’re on a hunger strike?

The Descent & AEDC’s Grand Betrayal

After an hour of rest, gisting, and games, it was time to descend. It took less than 30 minutes, but some people ignored the trail leaders and ended up struggling on their way down. Tega, ever the concerned leader, even considered going back to help them. Lesson for next time? Follow who know road!

At the base, Bosslady announced available cars going back to town, while Muhammad was on a quest to find a car heading straight to Lagos (this man is the definition of sarcasm). Tamara, Beca, and I got a ride home, thanks to the ever-cool Francis. Meanwhile someone should asked Moh. How comes he changed clothes? Then Adventure lord, Francis, Eddie, Jossie, and others decided to go swimming from the hike, these guys to like enjoyment 😀 

Post hike

Back home, I squeezed in a quick laundry session, showered, and said my afternoon prayer. Just when I was about to rest, AEDC struck no light! In this heat?! Chaiii, there is God ooo!

Gratitude & Strength

I am grateful to the Almighty for the strength to hike while fasting. I am grateful for my fellow hikers, for the laughter, the jokes, the shared moments. Someone even told me, “Ah, you’re a strong lady o!” In my heart, I whispered Allahumma barik May God bless us all.

To all women out there: keep shining, keep leading, and keep conquering. To the men: celebrate the women in your lives. And to everyone reading this: join us for a hike sometime you’ll love it! 😉

Until next time, peace!

📢 CALL TO ACTION:

Love hiking? Want to experience adventure with amazing people? Join Naija Adventure on our next hike! Follow our updates and let’s hit the trails together. 🚶🏾‍♀️💪🏽

Photos credit goes to our amazing Dabelle_2018