Sisterhood SoulSteps

 Baby steps, they say… but oh, what a beautiful first step it was.

I woke up with mixed feelings excitement, anxiety, and that tiny whisper that asks, “Can I really pull this off?”

I sat up, said my prayers, kissed Moori, and went to boil water for my favourite morning duo coffee and spice tea.

Got dressed and set out at 6:15 a.m. to our muster point at Beca Apartment, Katampe Extension.

My beautiful ladies were already waiting with glowing faces and early morning laughter.

Me and keeping to time? Na 5&7 😅 (don’t ask which side I fell today).

It took a while to get a taxi on Sunday morning, wahala, but I finally arrived, heart full. I called Dr Hauwa Bello, who said they were almost close by. Dr Maryam missed her turn but made it just in time. And Rejoice was on her way her cheerful spirit alone could move a mountain.

The night before, I had reached out to Damilola, aka Wakawaka, my fellow adventurous soul. When she said yes, I was thrilled! I needed someone strong and mountain-tested like me. She ran a little behind (rare for her, she’s usually an “I am on the dot” person). A sweet soul through and through.

We moved to our destination behind Burma Park and Garden.

Shoelaces tied. Smoothies shared. Headcount done 41 of us in total.

I took a deep breath and led the trail.

The Trail Begins

At first, I thought I had missed the first turn (small panic 😅), but we quickly found our path again.

Beeba, I should get a cane and flog you! You see these people? They came out because this hike was long overdue. Don’t let your doubt get the best of you. Trust the One who inspired you with this idea. The Almighty doesn’t give us more than we can bear.”

Her words landed deep. I smiled, laughed, and said Alhamdulillah.

Because truly, I had doubted. But here we were 41 strong women showing up in faith and courage.

Dami was our sweeper for the day, and having a medical doctor among us brought peace of mind.

Barely five minutes in, some of my sisters were already panting. I smiled and said,

 “It’s okay that’s your body reminding you how long you have ignored it.”

We all laughed and kept moving.

Soon, we reached a crossing point easy for some, scary for others. A few got stuck, tried to wiggle through on their own, then asked for help. (Lesson one: sometimes strength means asking for help 😄).

We got to our first resting point. Everyone sat down, breathing, laughing, silently negotiating with their legs. Five minutes later, we continued.

8-year-old Habida, who came with her mum, left her behind and joined me in front.

“This is too easy,” she said confidently.

I laughed. “Yes, my dear, but not everyone behind will agree.”

The Summit: Where Heaven Met Earth

Finally the summit! 🎉

The view was breathtaking.

Lush green grass danced under our feet. The wind sang softly.

We could see other mountains standing tall and proud, and the city of Abuja below roads winding like art across the landscape.

It felt like standing between heaven and earth.

Just us, the sky, and gratitude.

We spread our mats for Salat Duha. Water and mats were shared generously. Barr. Zainab, with her golden heart, passed around bread and butter. Some took pictures, others sat in silence, eyes closed, hearts whispering Alhamdulillah.

Then came our meditation session, led by Dr Hauwa, a psychotherapist, counsellor, and life coach.

It was everything I had longed for peace, reflection, and stillness.

A moment where time paused and only presence remained.

Afterwards, we introduced ourselves laughter rippled through the air.

We discovered:

Food lovers who hate cooking 🍲

A lady who loves to drive 🚗

Explorers and dreamers 🌍

Even a pilot ✈️

We already have our next trip to plan!

The Descent

While descending, some used their butt, some were so scared they walked with both hands and legs together lol.

Aunt Jemila couldn’t stop laughing.

We helped each other along the way, creating a beautiful scene that said, without words, we’re in this together.

Every slip came with laughter, every pause with a hand reaching out.

The trail tested our courage, but it also revealed our bond.

By the time we reached the base, our hearts were lighter not just from the climb, but from the joy of shared strength and sisterhood.

💜 The Heart Behind the Hike

Special thanks to ThatVeilChic and COHATA, my two amazing collaborators.

Thank you for walking this vision with me and believing in the dream of Sisterhood SoulSteps.

To those who couldn’t make it this time, we missed you deeply and can’t wait to have you on the next trail.

The entire hike covered 6.5km, about 6,000 steps, and took 1 hour 20 minutes.

It was easy enough for a start but rich with meaning.

 The Afterglow

After the hike, Dami Wakawaka and I stopped for food we earned it! 😋

We rested for two hours and then, guess what?

We went back to another mountain our hangout spot.

This one was tougher, but oh, it was pure joy.

We played games, danced, laughed, and bantered till our cheeks hurt.

We found peace again in the mountain breeze that sacred kind of peace only nature gives.

I was congratulated for hosting the first-ever female-only hike, and my heart swelled with quiet pride and gratitude.

When I got home, Moori was waiting, ready for his cuddle (and maybe a treat).

And GrandKhadee, though under the weather, was so happy for me.

I had already shared every detail with her before even getting home.

Glory be to God for His mercy, grace, and the strength to bring this vision to life.

🌸 My Reflection

Having people who believe in you, even when you doubt yourself, is a grace and a privilege.

This hike was long overdue for my sisters.

I was nudged by Dr Hauwa Bello and Jemila, supported by my audacious mentor, Barr. Patience Olusuyi, Esq., and coach Bilkisu Muhammed and carried by the love of 41 women who showed up, climbed, laughed, and believed.

Gratitude fills my heart 

for every woman who hiked, helped, and healed,

for every breath, every giggle, every whispered Alhamdulillah,

and for the birth of Sisterhood SoulSteps.

Baby steps, yes 

But mighty beginnings. 💜