The Children Hike O'Clock: A Naija Adventure Story

 

Naija Adventure decided to celebrate us the children. Oh wait, I mean the children but come on, am I not a child too? A child wrapped in an adult body? 😅 Let’s not even argue. I claim it with my full chest Team Inner Child forever!

I had talked to my sweet friend the day before about bringing the kiddos, but adulting had other plans. Work called, and it just wasn’t feasible. Still, my heart was excited. Children’s hike day? Count me in! Flu or no flu.

Yes, I was under the weather. The flu and fever tried to hold me hostage, but I wasn’t having it. Saturday is for climbing mountains, breathing fresh air, and finding peace with each step. So, despite the fatigue, I chose to sweat it out rather than lie it out. A self-care warrior move.

Now, my Royal Highness Moori, the cat, didn’t even bother waking me up. Wise girl. She knew her mum needed some extra sleep. After my prayer, I fed her and my plant babies. Speaking of which have I told you about my yam? 😍 That glorious thing is flourishing daily. It’s growing, flowering, and just radiating life. I can’t wait to harvest it. By God’s grace, I will harvest it soon. Amen? Amen.

Back to the hike. My hiking neighbour and I were running a tad late not because of glam prep o but because of Nigeria’s real MVP: water and electricity wahala. The power was up just before we left, and we had to make the most of that rare opportunity. AEDC is not to be trusted, my people.

Eventually, we zoomed off to the meeting point: Magicland. That’s the name of the mountain we were hiking. Fitting, right? Because the whole day truly felt magical.

We arrived at 7:40 a.m., and Sammie was already addressing the crowd. I looked around and saw the most beautiful, radiant faces. The children! Pure souls, bubbling with euphoria. Their joy was contagious. I smiled so hard, my cheeks started hiking too.

Sir Jossie and Sammie arranged the children in rows and handed flags to two adorable little girls, who proudly held them up as they led the trail. Others followed with excitement. I joined in to help lead and make sure everyone was okay, while Miss Otes kept her eyes sharp at the rear. A good balance of play and watchfulness.

Barely five minutes into the trail, we stopped to let the children catch their breath. Don’t be deceived o this mountain may look soft, but it will test your lungs and your life choices if you’re unfit.

As we walked, I had a chat with a 6-year-old boy. He looked at the flag-bearing girls and declared, "Girls shouldn’t lead. They’re weak." Hian! My heart paused. Who installed this nonsense belief into this young soul?

So, aunty coach that I am, I gently asked him, “Why do you think girls are weak?”

He shrugged. “Because they are.”

I knelt down and told him, “Your mum is a strong girl. She gave birth to you. These girls you’re seeing are hiking the same mountain as you, and they’re doing great. Girls are not weak. We protect each other, not put each other down.”

The boy looked thoughtful. Just then, his dad, who had been listening quietly, walked over, smiled, and said, “Thank you.” That moment stayed with me.

Parents, I beg you, in the name of school fees and bedtime stories, please spend quality time with your children. Ask them questions. Let them open their minds to you. If you don’t teach them the truth, the world will stuff them with nonsense and season it with pepper.

Then came Melanie Queen a name that perfectly matched her energy. This girl was focused, confident, and wise beyond her age. She had the aura of a CEO in training. I was completely taken in by her poise and curiosity.

Another highlight: one sweet, fair-skinned girl (definitely future head girl material) came up to me and whispered, “The first game was boring. That’s for babies under 5. My aunt is 7!” 😂 I laughed so hard. She was sharp, spirited, and honest. I just loved how respectful and expressive all the kids were.

And then enter Mr. Businessman. He showed up with a briefcase yes, a briefcase to hike. Don’t ask me how, but the next thing I knew, he handed me the bag and said, “Please hold this while I play the game.” LOL. Oga CEO, abeg!

We stopped again after another 5-minute hike to rest. But guess what? By then, adrenaline had kicked in. The kids were running up the hill like baby antelopes. Meanwhile, many of us adult children were panting and regretting our breakfast choices. These kids humbled us, honestly.

When we reached the summit, everyone picked a spot to chill. Families laughed and shared snacks. Couples held hands and whispered sweet nothings into each other’s ears. And those of us in the single club? We just hummed love songs to our hiking sticks. Lol. Don’t worry, our own somebody is coming!

Even Angel Zee, our ever-graceful housemate leader, and Uncle K came hiking talk about couple goals! Their presence added a special touch to the day, reminding us that love and adventure go hand in hand. 💚

And the view of Abuja from up there? Always epic. The city stretches out like a painting hazy hills, scattered rooftops, the calmness hugging you like a silent prayer. No matter how many times I hike, this view never gets old. It’s that moment you pause and remember, "Ah! Life sweet o, if you give it the chance.

Mr. Sammie and Siefiey played children's songs, and the kiddies danced with so much joy. Competitions followed, and gifts were handed out big thanks to the event team for making sure every child went home with something.

A generous soul also gave cash gifts to the under-6 kids. May God continue to bless givers everywhere. Ameen.

I got a much-needed therapist hug from Ms. Claudia nothing like a healing embrace. I ran into old friends, exchanged warm greetings, and even got playfully harassed by my favourite troublemaker. You know yourself 😏.

The entire hike was a beautiful sight, not just because of the view but the vibes. Most adults were holding children to support them up the trail. Sir Jossie even carried one child on his shoulders like a real-life superhero.

 And then I saw something that melted my heart, a father backing his infant while hiking. Yes, you read that right. A Naija man backing his child. Let’s just say, I took a moment to breathe in the beautiful scent of "soft masculinity meets responsibility." Don’t ask me what I mean you know better. 😏

Somewhere along the hike, a child was asked to tell an adult to get up because "you’re strong enough!" 😭😂 Omo! These children were not holding back, o. Imagine being exhausted and a small human tells you to “be strong” na motivation and insult at the same time.

At the summit, I met Epa, who teased me for chickening out of the camp the previous day. And truth be told, omo! I really did chicken out o! No energy for drama or mosquito fellowship 😅.

I also got a warm hug from my pretty girlfriend who hadn’t hiked in a while. Sis lifted me like a baby literally. Flu and all, I laughed so hard I forgot I was under the weather. It’s the joy of shared moments like this that makes each hike feel like home in the wild.

While the rest of us chilled, Sir Jossie, Epa, Peruzzi, and the mountain warriors went off to conquer a second peak because why not?

 Gratitude Corner 

Today reminded me that joy is not something you chase it’s something you make space for.

I’m grateful for:

1. The innocence and energy of children. They reminded me that laughter heals faster than flu meds.

2. Conversations that correct and inspire like the one with my little buddy and his dad.

3. Kind people who give generously and expect nothing in return.

4. Nature’s therapy: sunshine, wind, sweat, and peace.

5. A yam that continues to grow. A subtle but mighty symbol that healing is always happening, even when it’s quiet.

May our inner children remain free, our limbs stay fit, and may we always have reasons to smile and dance even on mountaintops.

Before we left, one uncle promised me Capri-Sonne. Yes o, I fell for it like the child that I proudly am. Next thing, the uncle was doing trickster things, playing me like a piano 😭. I didn't take it lightly I went straight to report him to Sir Jossie, the chief justice of the hiking court. He handled it like a pro and even promised to give me the Capri-Sonne himself. But alas, I didn’t wait to collect it. My body was already giving me “madam, exit stage left” signals.

My neighbour didn’t waste time we ordered Bolt immediately and zoomed off. Fever or not, we got home in one blessed, flu-filled piece.

And who was waiting at home? My sweet fur queen, Her Royal Highness. She rolled dramatically on the floor as soon as she saw me her way of welcoming her human back from the wild. I picked up my shoulder like the worn-out champ I was, struggled through my attempt to freshen up, and then. I crashed. 

Flu 1 – Beeba 0. Sleep won.

Photos credit goes to our amazing Mr Solomon aka @Dabelle_2018 on ig, go follow him and book for your wedding, birthday and even just those moments you want to be captured 😀 

See you on the next hike.

Peace. ✌🏾💚