Christened Adekunle Adeyanju, this 44-years old man from Offa, Kwara State is no stranger to most people who are familiar with trends and happenings around the world in the early 2020s.
What stood out in his already impressive victory over seeming stretches that stand side-by-side with impossibilities is his ride from London to Lagos. A ride he undertook, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro, to raise funds for the outright alienation of all things related to polio.
According to him, polio is a personal thing. It became personal for him, having watched his friend unable to enjoy their childhood. He couldn't swim or play football with his peers. The pain of watching his friend suffer made him detest polio, and seek its eradication.
He left London on his bike on the 19th of April, 2022, arriving in Lagos 41 days after - May 29, 2022. He rode a distance of about 13,000 kilometers (approximately 8,080 miles), having to pass through the Sahara Desert on his ride.
Nicknamed "Lion Heart", Kunle Adeyanju is no stranger to overcoming challenges: he is the first to hoist the Nigerian national flag on the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro.
His London to Lagos ride had him navigate through 11 countries, and visiting 31 cities. He has visited 75 countries, making friends with the high and mighty, including the Prime Minister of Mali, Choguel Kokalla Maiga. He once rode his bike from Lagos to Accra in 3 days.
Alongside his unconventional achievements is a pursuit for academic knowledge. He attended Abmadu Bello University, Zaria. He joined the Rotary Club while on campus at the ABU, Zaria. He is the President-Elect of the Rotary Club, Ikoyi Metro.
In 2009, he pursued a course in Postgraduate learning to earn his Master’s degree. He is presently working on his doctoral studies in Business Administration with specialization in Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Arizona in the United States of America.
On his trip from London to Lagos, he survived two sandstorms. At some point, he ran out of water in the Sahara Desert. But for some boys he saw in the desert who gave him two bottles of water, he surmised he wasn't sure he could have survived the desert.
He is of the belief that Africa is grossly misrepresented. To address this misrepresentation, he launched a campaign called "Think Africa". He intends to spend his next vacation exploring Africa as he opines "there is alot to discover in Africa".
This great son of Yorubaland, a motivational speaker and an author, is a symbol of courage and determination. He is a go-getter who has used his achievements and connections to draw awareness to his quest for the eradication of polio.
In recognition of his bravery, giant strides toward the eradication of polio, and his many other engagements that should motivate younger generations to make the most of themselves at whatever they set their hearts to do, he was honoured by the Olofa of Offa, His Royal Majesty, Oba Mufutau Muhammed Oloyede Gbadamosi (Okikiola Esuwoye II), who conferred the chieftaincy title of Are Aniyikaiye of Offa kingdom on the adventurous biker. Salute Chief Kunle!
Writer: Akintomide Aroso @tomidearoso on Twitter.
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