Omolewa Adesuyi popularly called Mama Spade, is a renowned female biker and influencer with a passion for adventure and a commitment to safe riding practices which made her undertake an impressive 7,000 km journey from Nigeria to South Africa; a trip tagged Ride for African Unity.
She has built a significant online following and the “Ride for African Unity” which is one of her most ambitious projects is a solo motorcycle journey spanning approximately 7,000 kilometers and took her across seven African countries: Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia and South Africa with the aim of promoting unity, collaboration and gender-focused inclusivity across the continent.
She said her passion for biking was ignited during her university years when she travelled interstate with fellow bikers and this experience sparked a lifelong love for the open road, leading her to enroll in a riding school and embarking on countless adventures, including a memorable trip to Yamoussoukro in Ivory Coast.
Asides her journeys, Omolewa is dedicated to promoting safe riding practices and actively shares valuable tips and advice on social media, encouraging responsible riding habits and inspiring others to enjoy the thrill of the open road safely. Her advocacy also extends to challenging social stereotypes and empowering women to pursue their dreams confidently.
Earliest motorcycle ride and specific memory that ignited your passion for biking
In 2020, I embarked on a ride to Erin Ijesha Waterfall in Osun state, and along the way, I fell off my bike three times before finally reaching my destination. But instead of discouraging me, each fall fueled my passion for riding. It taught me a powerful lesson: “Fall down seven times, get up eight.” I learned to never stay down and always push forward to achieve my goals. Falling off my bike didn’t define me as a rider. I got back on, rode my motorcycle all the way back to Lagos, and with each mile, I became more determined to improve. Today, I no longer fear falling, because I know I will always rise again.
Motivation for “Ride for African Unity”
The “Ride for African Unity” is deeply personal to me, born out of my love for Africa and my desire to break down the barriers that often divide us. Traveling across the continent, I’ve been captivated by its beauty, cultural richness, and the warmth of its people. But I’ve also seen how borders, stereotypes, and misunderstandings can prevent us from truly connecting as Africans. A turning point for me was when I received an invitation to a bikers’ convention in Gombe State. I was excited but hesitant, the journey from Lagos to Gombe felt daunting. Every night leading up to the trip, I wrestled with doubts, but I eventually took the leap. It took two days to get there, and when I finally arrived, I was overcome with pride and emotion.
While in Gombe, some Ivorian bikers invited us to their convention in Ivory Coast. I was curious but nervous, wondering about road conditions, border crossings, and language barriers. To my surprise, the distance from Lagos to Ivory Coast was almost the same as Lagos to Gombe. With some apprehension, I set out—and once again, the journey exceeded my expectations. I encountered smooth roads, vibrant cultures, and welcoming people. Though the border crossings were challenging, they couldn’t diminish the joy and connection I felt. That trip was a revelation, showing me just how much Africa has to offer beyond the negative narratives we often hear.
Physical and mental demands of a long ride
Preparing for a ride like this has been a journey in itself! Over the past 10 months, I’ve been staying active by walking 5 kilometers daily to build my endurance and keep my fitness levels up. It’s been all about consistency and pushing myself a little more each day. On the mental side, I’ve been doing regular medical checkups and also checking in with a psychiatrist to make sure I’m in the right headspace for such a demanding adventure. This ride is as much about mental strength as it is about physical stamina, so I’m making sure to cover all bases before hitting the road.
Broader impact of the “Ride for African Unity”
The “Ride for African Unity” is about so much more than promoting collaboration, it’s about inspiring a shared sense of African identity and pride while challenging outdated stereotypes. Through this journey, I hope to promote a positive narrative about our continent, showcasing its beauty, diversity, and boundless potential. By connecting people through the cultures, stories, and experiences I encounter along the way, this expedition celebrates what makes Africa extraordinary. To measure its success, we’ll track online engagement, media coverage, and participation in events along the route, while also assessing the awareness and feedback generated within local communities. Partnerships with businesses, tourism boards, and cultural organizations will play a key role, alongside the impact of the photos, videos, and stories I share to inspire others. Ultimately, the true measure of success lies in the lasting connections made, the conversations sparked, and the positive changes this journey helps ignite across the continent, including long-term ripple effects such as community initiatives and increased tourism interest.
“Ride for African Unity as stimulating influence on tourism, economic collaboration among African countries
The Ride for African Unity is all about celebrating the beauty, diversity, and opportunities across the African continent. Through documenting the journey and sharing my experiences, I hope to highlight Africa’s hidden gems, those lesser-known destinations with unique attractions, vibrant communities, and breathtaking landscapes that deserve more attention and can boost local economies. By showcasing the excitement and feasibility of exploring Africa by road, I aim to inspire more people to embark on cross-border travels, sparking economic activity and fostering connections along the way. Additionally, I plan to support local businesses by shining a spotlight on artisans, markets, and small enterprises, encouraging partnerships and investments. This journey is also an opportunity to celebrate Africa’s cultural diversity, featuring the rich traditions, music, art, and cuisine that make each country uniquely special. Some of the key highlights will include the vibrant traditions and cuisines of the various countries I’ll be riding through, showcasing the incredible richness of the continent.
Aspirations for the future of female solo travel and adventure in Africa
Looking ahead, I hope to see more African women embracing solo travel and adventure, breaking barriers, and exploring the continent with confidence. My aspiration is to normalize female solo travel in Africa, showing that it is not only possible but also empowering and enriching. Through my journey, I want to inspire other women to step out of their comfort zones, challenge stereotypes, and discover the beauty and diversity of Africa. By sharing my experiences; both the challenges and the triumphs; I hope to encourage women to believe in their strength and resilience. I’d also love to create a platform or community where women can connect, share travel stories, support each other, and find the resources they need to plan safe, exciting adventures of their own. Ultimately, my goal is to open up a world of possibilities for women across Africa; to help them explore freely, connect with different cultures, and grow through the incredible journey of solo travel.
Tribune
