Aso Rock Sister Hike The Hard Hike with a Thousand Stories

 What an Exciting Day!

It was hike o’clock! And not just any hike this was the legendary Aso Rock Sister Hike. A hike that didn’t just test your fitness, but your loyalty to the things you claim to love. If you ever said “I love hiking” in public, this trail came to check your mouth 😆.

My day started at 3:50 a.m. yes, you read that right. My royal alarm clock, Queen Moori, did the honors. We got up, did our morning routine cleaned up, prayed, I fed her, and she gave me just the right dose of distraction while I tried to recite my Qur'an.

I had four boiled eggs 🥚😋 (because you need leg-day fuel), got dressed, and chatted with Triple A. He confirmed he’d stop by to pick me up, and my neighbor also buzzed, asking about our transportation plans. I told him Triple A was giving us a ride. At 7:15 a.m., we rolled out.

We met up with others at City Park, and there was one more friend to pick. Omo! The cars lined up like there was a concert. People full ground! This was no regular hike it was the Aso Rock Sister Hike, and it featured a brand-new trail not yet touched by the public, except by the mighty Trail-Setters nature lovers with hearts bigger than the hill.

There was a second meeting point at Mogadishu Bridge for the Karshi crew. We exchanged greetings with familiar faces Mr. Emeka, Hercule, Oga Musa, Monic, Sir Jossie, Bosslady… I could go on. We left City Park around 8:00 a.m. and headed to NAV Valley. Shoutout to Moh and Sammie for controlling traffic like pros.

At the barracks parking lot, I got hugs from Aunt Rahman and Alice. We verified names, I got a pair of hiking gloves (thanks to a kind elder who paid for them 🙏), and then we all gathered as the commander addressed us before the climb. You could feel the anticipation and lowkey anxiety people were READY.

Let me remind you: when the advert said “hard/tough,” it meant HARD. But over 1,000 people still showed up to tick the hike off their bucket list. Some folks ended up with leaked buckets 😂 because the summit didn’t see their faces but hey, they tried, and that counts!

The hike officially began. Military officers led, we civilians followed. But let me gist you civilians can be stubborn. When one of us asked the crowd to step back, people didn’t budge. A soldier said the same thing people shifted like it was drill parade. Respect. 😂

We started climbing. Energy was high for the first 10 minutes. After that? Breathing like overheated generators. Twenty minutes in, legs started calling HR. We reached the first resting point, a steep incline that humbled many. People drank water like it was gold, some laid down, others questioned their life decisions.

One voice: “I paid for this?”

Another: “You saw hard hike and still came. Collect it with pride.” 😂

We tried to rest for 5 minutes, but some overzealous folks wanted to move again. Peruzzi and I vetoed that motion “Let’s breathe, biko.” The next terrain was calling for knees and prayers. We moved eventually, and the view? Breathtaking. Green fields, farmers farming, streams flowing. I did an IG live to show my tribe the peacefulness of nature. Thatveilchick and others joined me vibes all round.

But then… the REAL incline showed up. A big, beautiful smiling rock that wiped our own smiles off. Somebody cried out, “Who sent me here?” 😩 Another person said, “This is the real hard!” Peruzzi and Blazzer were pulling people up. When it got to my turn, Blazzer said, “No way I’m helping Beeba!” I told him, “Because you know I don’t need help!” And I pulled myself up like a true champ.

This was mountain number two. Blazzer, in his usual madness, suggested we run up. I told him “Nice idea,” but in 2 minutes he ran off… and left me behind 😒. I forgive you, sha.

Second resting point 1 hour 20 minutes in. I announced it proudly. Some thought I was joking. Reality check hit when their legs agreed with me.

“We came for punishment today,” one hiker groaned. But we moved.

Lizzy and Donwis led us toward the summit. OVO “borrowed” my water, promising to return it when he got his backpack… I’m still waiting 😆. Every terrain brought fresh air, challenges, and beauty. We reached the summit, and the back view of Aso Rock? Simply majestic 😍. We climbed mini rocks, took photos, and sat to rest.

Shoutout to Mr. Henry our beloved Epa! You made it to the top not once, but twice. Your energy and love for nature deserve to be studied in a PhD class.

At the summit, I reconnected with Triple A and his friend. They looked worn out but happy. Epa sat under a tree and munched on groundnuts king behavior. I soaked in the view and peace. More hikers were still dragging themselves to the top. It was a mountain of a crowd literally 1,000 people!

Then came a deep chat with Ella and AJ two vibrant souls. We talked about relationships, communication, and trust. Ella just ended a relationship because of insecurity issues. AJ, proudly single, said he’s an open book and expects the same. Real talk. I hope we all find our kind of person someday.

We went to look for smoothies sold out. Energy drinks finished. Pepper goat meat extinct. Even extra water gone. Hike hard, but fulfillment harder. I even ran into my poetry/bookworm friend who refused camera time don’t worry, I forgive you.

Aerobics time! Our celebrity trainer led the session fun vibes everywhere.

Then it was time to descend. Peruzzi ran ahead to help people down. Moh and others were already stationed below. There were ropes for balance, but still, some people used their butts 🤣. I didn’t thanks to that soldier who taught me the art of graceful descending last year. Asa and I stuck together, helping others stay safe. Maxy found a side route that wasn’t overcrowded, so we took it Ebuka and the gang followed too. Hero moves 👏.

As we descended, the weather flipped light showers started. It didn’t ruin the mood. Folks helped each other get rides home. Big ups to Sadiq for dropping me at my junction more fuel to your tank 🙏.

Some hikers didn’t make it to the summit, so officials stayed back with them.

Shoutout Corner

To Moh, Sir Emmirine, Peruzzi, Sir Jossie, Eddie, Hercule, Maxy, and Adventure Lord you guys are the MVPs of this hike. You helped people reach that summit. God bless you.

To the nurses, protocol, and media crew more strength to you all.

To our trail-setters, may you keep discovering new paths and blessings.

To Swan natural for coming through with bottle water for everyone, more blessings. 

To the Nigeria Navy for accomodate and welcome us to their terrain thank you 🙏 

Gratitude Corner

I’m grateful to be among the first to set and hike this new trail twice!

I’m grateful for health and the strength to climb mountains literally.

I’m grateful for the 1,000 faces I saw and the silent stories they carried.

I’m grateful for conversations that reminded me of the importance of clarity, communication, and self-worth in relationships.

I’m grateful to Triple A and Sadiq for the thoughtful rides.

I’m grateful to Naija Adventurer for the opportunity to explore, connect, and belong.

I got home to my royal highness, Queen Moori, who rolled on the floor for royal cuddles. I checked her bowl madam skipped lunch! I made sure she ate. Then I whipped up a hot plate of jollof spaghetti for myself after a refreshing bowl of fruit salad.

I washed my hiking gear, took a deep breath, and just sat in gratitude. It was a day well spent. Fulfilled doesn’t even cover it.

Will I do this again?

Yes. But maybe next time with a small crew of goofballs I can banter and laugh with the whole way 🤪🧡.

Photos credit goes to our amazing Mr Solomon 👏 more blessings to you sir.

Here’s to a new week filled with love, strength, and productivity 💕.