From Benue to the World: Nigerian Cyclist Embarks on Epic Nigeria–USA Ride to Raise Support for Africa’s Forgotten Children

Courage and compassion are colliding on two wheels as Nigerian adventurer and humanitarian, Jonathan Ojadah, begins a jaw-dropping cycling journey from Nigeria to the United States of America. The purpose? To raise global awareness and rally support for orphaned and displaced children impacted by conflicts across the African continent.

Ojadah, who gained national attention in 2023 after riding a bicycle from Benue State to Lagos to celebrate music star Davido, has now taken on an even greater mission. He set off from Lagos on June 25, 2025, navigating dangerous terrains, unpredictable weather, and visa hurdles—armed with nothing but his bike, a backpack, and an unshakable passion for change.

The journey, expected to span multiple countries across West Africa, North Africa, Europe, and eventually the Atlantic, is estimated to take nearly six months. Ojadah says he is documenting every leg of the ride across his social media platforms, aiming to spark not just admiration but donations for children displaced by war, terrorism, and climate-related crises in countries like Sudan, DR Congo, Mali, and Nigeria.

He has already passed through major cities including Cotonou and Accra, where he was received by local NGOs. From Morocco, he plans to take a ferry into Spain and continue northward until he reaches Canada, after which he will cycle into the United States. His final stop will be New York City, where he hopes to present a petition to UNICEF and other global bodies.

Despite facing skepticism, immigration blockades, and exhaustion, Ojadah insists he won’t stop pedaling until his message reaches global ears. “These children didn’t choose war, they didn’t choose pain. But we can choose to fight for them,” he said in a live update on July 2. “This is not just a ride, it’s a cry for justice.”

Social media support has been mounting, with over 150,000 followers now tracking his progress through the campaign hashtag #RideForTheOrphans. Celebrities like Davido, AY Makun, and DJ Cuppy have also begun reposting his videos, while calls grow for international media to spotlight his cause.

Ojadah’s effort is fast becoming a continental symbol of hope and citizen-driven activism. In a world flooded with political noise, his solo journey is a reminder that change doesn’t always begin in government halls—it can begin with a single man, a bicycle, and a purpose that won’t be silenced.