11KM, One Dream, Many Breaths: A Grateful Soul’s Memoir of a Mountain That Tried (But Didn’t Break Us)

 

When the mind is determined to do something, it goes all out. Even when the body disagrees, it fuels it up with energy and keeps moving. This brings me to ask myself why am I not a trillionaire yet? Or is it that my mind hasn’t fueled my body enough for it yet?

Stay with me, let's ride on this one.

It was our third day at Obudu Mountain Resort, the day we were hiking an 11km steep climb to a 1,600-metre (5,200 ft) elevation. We were up early. I was already awake by 4 a.m. Said my prayers, got dressed, and had granola with yoghurt. Epa advised we have breakfast before we ascend. Akara and pap were arranged, but I didn’t partake it wasn’t a breakfast I fancied. The reason for breakfast was so one wouldn’t burn down their sugar level too low because of the steep incline.

Epa, Hercule, Siefiey, Mally of Abuja, and Man of Faith arrived at our cabin with so much energy and enthusiasm even Chef Titi who later opted out. Waka Waka and Blazzer also joined us. Peruzzi, Jayfancy, Maxy, Oladele, and Mr. JEM were also set. Mr. JEM had already coordinated bikemen to give us a ride down to our starting point.

Let me tell you a little about these adventurous souls.

Meet Epa: Mr. Henry O. He’s in his early 60s, loves adventure, is married with four biological children, and plenty of us he’s fathering from a distance. One fun fact about him is his jokes with all age brackets. That’s why he flows with us the banters, the respectful chipping into our arguments 😂 too. He’s a vegetarian doing well in Nigeria. You usually hear someone is vegetarian outside Nigeria it’s not an “African man thing.” But health-wise, it's been a blessing. He has done this 11km twice before; now, this is his third time. He has an amazing career and an organisation he’s running, before you think he’s jobless.

Mr. Joseph E.M. is an amazing human manager, omo! How this man manages us humans needs to be studied. In storm or in happiness, he takes us in with calmness and respect. He’s from Delta State and engaged 💍. A farmer (Co-Owner of Stones Farm, Kuje) and a Multi-Level Marketer. He has also done this 11km twice.

Mr. Francis an outdoorsman, athlete, adventurer, adrenaline fitness junkie, and a genuine Christian defined by God who doesn’t dignify nonsense… so he said, not me lol. This guy takes adventurous risks on mountaintops. His steeze? Always on 💯.

Mr. Iheme Ezenna Richardblaise but you can call him Blazzer or Hamza. An engineer passionate about problem-solving and human development. He loves writing, cooking, and getting lost in good music and humanitarian service. A Manchester United supporter and a fan of Milwaukee Bucks. Igbo by tribe, from Imo State. Calmness is his second nature, but don’t mess with him he’s the mountain beast. Always classic steeze.

Mr. Nwokeji Chisom Hercules is a cloud security/system administrator (sysadmin) a professional responsible for managing, maintaining, and ensuring the smooth operation of computer systems, networks, and infrastructure. Outspoken and fearless. Climbing mountains is his second career. He loves cooking and listening to music.

Mr. Faith Inusa OsirOsire, a.k.a. Man of Faith, from Auchi, Edo State a graphics and web consultant who loves travelling, hiking, and trying new food. He can eat for Africa!

Mr. Malachi Chukwuka Nwokocha (Mally of Abuja) is an entrepreneur with a background in Project and Human Resources Management (BSc and MSc). An extrovert and adventurous by nature.

Mr. Maxwell Akalonu is a project supervisor and reputable construction materials supplier with over 5 years of experience. He has a great desire to meet societal needs beyond his core field, having gained wide knowledge in the global labour market. He’s from Imo State.

John Emmanuel a.k.a. Selfiey the Great is a photographer, creative director, and event host from Kogi State. A firm believer. Loves food na small thing remain for him to be a musician.

Owolabi Taiwo Damilola, a.k.a. WakaWaka, CEO of Wakawaka Nails Studio, studied Mass Communication. Entered the nail industry in 2022, started as an apprentice, worked for several salons, and launched her own nail studio in October 2024. Ever since, she’s been changing Nigeria’s nail industry with unique 3D nail art. A natural and kind soul with a heart of gold.

Mr. John Itodo Michael, tour guide and gym marketing manager, nature lover a.k.a. Bushman. CEO of PeruzziVibe. Selfless to a fault.

Mr. Idowu Oladele from Osun State is into importation of phones and cars. Co-founder of SmartLuxury Technology Concept and Olan Autos. An introvert.

Miss Joyce Ajimasu, from Plateau State, is a psychologist, entrepreneur (JayfancyPlug), and former banker with 5 years of experience. Passionate about reaching kids and humanity. Loves hiking, reading, and singing. A happy soul, no bad vibes. Na her writing, no be my own.

Mr. Emen Lawrence, a.k.a. Amazing, is a football player from Cross River State. A student at Kaduna Polytechnic and nature lover.

These are the kind of people I’d love to keep having adventures with selfless and kind.

We set out on bikes, two people per bike. The ride was fun yet sour my ears almost blocked from the breeze. The speed was intense, I had to beg the rider to slow down. We were the first to arrive at the starting point, only to be greeted by Francis, who had jogged down from the cabin 😀. Guy you do well! I told him if I’d known he was jogging down, I would’ve followed. Maybe next time.

Francis was intentional. He took bottled water and kept them in three strategic places so that those of us hiking up would have water. On this hike, you only need your body, your mind, and a bottle of water. Guess who captured these amazing moments? Mr. Solomon a.k.a. Dabelle_2018. Mr. Emmirine, Bala, and others wished us luck as many people who tried this hike didn’t get to finish it.

We took pictures. Then the hike began. Blazzer, Amazing, my humble self, Waka Waka, and Epa took the front roll. Others followed. Normally, I don’t like being behind while hiking.

Five minutes in, we were panting our lungs out. I was walking beside Waka Waka. At first, I wanted to walk close to Blazzer knowing I couldn’t keep up with his pace I gently stuck to my own pace with Waka Waka. Amazing kept up with Blazzer, jogging behind him while he walked like he wasn’t walking calm and demure.

Thirty minutes in, Mr. JEM caught up with us and so did Epa. We didn’t stop to rest, just reduced our walking steps. Waka Waka removed her hoodie; Mr. JEM volunteered to carry it to hand over to the bike man who went to get firewood for our bonfire and ram barbecue 😉. Epa gave his too. I tied mine around my waist and kept moving. At this point, Blazzer and Amazing were far ahead. Mr. JEM radioed Blazzer to wait for us. My guy said it’s too late he can’t slow down.

They passed us Epa and Mr. JEM. At 50 minutes, we passed them. Peruzzi and Francis caught up. These guys stopped to take photos and videos and found the water Francis kept. One hour in we were dehydrated. Waka Waka had water; we drank a bit. Moments later, she felt her sugar level dropping and called out to Peruzzi for a carbonated drink. She drank a bit but guess what? This vibrant soul still didn’t stop. Determined.

At 1 hour 20 minutes, it was just three of us in front Waka Waka, Francis, and myself. We took pictures, made videos. We could see Epa, JEM, Peruzzi, Maxy, and Hercule from a distance. Hercule and Maxy left Siefiey, Mally of Abuja, Man of Faith, Lizzy, Jayfancy, and Oladele far behind as they were slowing them.

Then came the fog thick and dark, you couldn’t see ahead. I was excited. It came at the right time to boost our energy. Our sweat dried off, and we were a bit cold again. I was asking the fog if it came with Angel Gabriel my favourite angel 😂.

We came across some cattle who respectfully gave us space to pass lol. We took pictures of them. Don’t ask where the pictures are o!

At 1 hour 50 minutes, we were close to the finish point. Epa, Mr. JEM, Peruzzi, Maxy, and Hercule were behind us. They stopped to rest as Epa initiated it he deserves it. Not every man his age can do this. Meanwhile, Blazzer had reached the cabin, freshened up, and came back to wait for us at the finish line 🙄. Before the hike, he’d set his mind to finish within 1 hour 30 minutes. And he did. His the mountain beast, GOAT of his time.  Mountain everest and Kilimajaro await you and I. Or let's us.

We finished in 2 hours 20 minutes. First two ladies to arrive 💪🏽, then Epa and the others followed. Meanwhile, Siefiey, Mally of Abuja, Man of Faith, Lizzy, Jayfancy, and Oladele were still far really far. We were told Siefiey was trying to write his name on the rock by Devil’s Elbow and forgot how to spell it 😆. He was already exhausted, but he dared not stop till he reached the finish line. Some people questioned their decision to even do the hike.

This hike cleared my head. Some parts of me were just waiting to be explored. At first, I didn’t know what to expect from myself but a part of me was certain I could do it. And a few others believed in me, too.

Here’s what I learnt:

Be careful about the information you listen to. Not all is for you to absorb.

Some information is meant to break you. Others are meant to fuel you.

Great men like former General Buratai didn’t finish this hike. Many tried, few did.

Having people who believe in you fuels your drive.

A good support system family, friends, or those who become family is key.

I’m grateful for this experience. For the strength I found. For the people I climbed with. For the fog that made me laugh and the breeze that nearly blocked my ears.

Mr. Emmirine and Bala came to congratulate us for finishing the hike 🎉. That moment? Golden.

Post hike

After the hike, Wakawaka got to her cabin. While continuing my walk, I got to Mrs Vee's cabin, and she helped my life with hot coffee and hot water to shower. What else could I ask for after a sweet hike like this?

While I was there, Mr Solomon did a fantastic photoshoot with us; I wasn't part of the plan I just happened to be there at the moment. Omo, that man's photoshoot was awesome and well thought out 😀 and he was an excellent director too. After which, I had my shower, and another photoshoot followed. I was already dozing off in Wakawaka's cabin when I was called out for another photoshoot. Best moments are not always planned.

That evening, we were preparing our ram and burned a fire at Donald Duke Lodge that’s Epa’s Lodge and was our host for the night. Those from other cabins emerged here. Our meat was already roasted by 7:30 p.m. Then nature took place. It started raining cats and rats, and we sat inside and ate our meat while throwing banter, Ebus, and man of Faith share the meat as if they have done mai suya work before. Mrs vee share her signature drink with us Capri-sun. Some got drunk 🥴 (you know yourself) and we watched football.

It was time to rest for the night. Eddie drove us to our cabin, but guess what? These guys weren’t done yet! They came back to the cabin to start another game, and it was fun. Mr JEM, who we called the Oracle during our game time, took his position. Valery, Maxy, Ebus, Peruzzi, Abdulbasit, Eddie, Jayfancy, Francis and myself played several kinds of games brain teasers especially. Those at Donald Duke Lodge were also awake playing games too.

Nights like these are irreplaceable just play and forget adulthood is waiting for you, lol 😆. These guys were cheesed up.

Finally, we went to bed… you can take a guess at the time. 😉

Gratitude corner:

1. I’m grateful for my resilient body that didn’t give up.

2. I’m grateful for the soul tribe I hiked with selfless and kind.

3. I’m grateful for the beauty and power of nature: the fog, the breeze, the cattle.

4. I’m grateful for the belief others had in me it helped me believe too.

5. I’m grateful for moments of laughter, reflection, and togetherness.

Call to Action: 

If you’re ever doubting what you’re capable of, take a hike literally or figuratively. Push yourself outside your comfort zone. And if you can, find people who laugh, support, and challenge you. That’s where growth lives.

Till the next adventure keep exploring, keep believing, and maybe, just maybe, fuel your mind to that trillionaire level 💰😉.

Now tell me when last did you do something that scared you but shaped you?

Photos credit goes to our amazing Mr Solomon aka @Dabelle_2018 on ig. More strength to you sir. To my girl waka waka let's do this again.