A Nigerian cyclist has embarked on an ambitious long-distance journey from London to Lagos, covering about 10,000 kilometres across 13 countries in a bid to raise awareness for the global fight against polio.
The expedition, which began in London on June 1, 2026, is being undertaken by Captain Olatunji Emmanuel Okedeyi as part of efforts to sustain global attention on polio eradication and strengthen immunisation campaigns, even as Nigeria maintains its status as a country free of wild poliovirus since 2020.
According to the project details, the cyclist will pass through countries including France, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin before arriving in Lagos.
The journey is expected to last several weeks, with arrival scheduled for early July 2026. Organisers say the ride is not only a physical endurance challenge but also a symbolic call for governments, communities, and health organisations to continue investing in vaccination and child health programmes.
Public health advocates note that while Nigeria has achieved major progress in eliminating wild polio, the risk remains globally until the disease is eradicated everywhere, making continued awareness and funding essential.
The cyclist’s mission also highlights the role of individual activism in public health advocacy, using sport and cross-border travel to draw attention to preventable diseases affecting children worldwide.
Health experts have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a reminder that sustained vigilance and immunisation remain critical to preventing any resurgence of the disease.
