She has scaled heights that most only dream of — literally. Valerie Chinoyerum Opia, famously known as Valerie of Africa, has conquered Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, proving that determination, courage, and passion know no bounds. A travel broadcast journalist, an advocate for the Girl Child, and a devoted mother of three, Valerie is on a mission to inspire young women and showcase Africa’s beauty. In this interview with The Pointer, she shares her journey, the motivation behind climbing Kilimanjaro, and the message she hopes her achievement sends to women, young people, and all who dare to dream.
Let’s meet you.
I’m Valerie Chinoyerum Opia, popularly known as Valerie of Africa. I am from Umutu in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. I am the third of five children. I have two brothers, Engr Jude and Mr Kelvin Opia, and two sisters, Dr Lilian and Miss Marian. My parents, both of blessed memory, are Capt and Mrs Isaac Opia of Delta State. I am a travel broadcast journalist and an advocate for the Girl Child. I am a mother to three beautiful girls: Marisa, Chisom, and Divine.
I love adventure, travel, and helping humanity at all times, which is why I have volunteered my time to work for the Girl Child through an NGO, the Women Youth and Children Upliftment Foundation (WYCUT).
Congratulations on your incredible achievement! What inspired you to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
I’ve always been fascinated by Mount Kilimanjaro, thanks to watching Tarzan as a child. My dad, Capt I.S. Opia (RTD), instilled in me a love for sports and adventure. He would always call me Tazarn, the jungle girl. I was born in Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos State, so my activities started from childhood because I came from a family where values and talents are nurtured from the cradle.
How did the idea first come to you — was it a personal dream, a cause, or a challenge to yourself?
Climbing Kilimanjaro was a personal dream and a challenge I had set for myself. I wanted to push my limits and inspire others. It was more of a childhood fantasy, and I worked towards making it a reality.
However, do you feel being the first Deltan and Nigerian to achieve this feat?
I’m proud to be a trailblazer. It feels amazing to represent my state and country in such a remarkable way.
What does Mount Kilimanjaro symbolise to you as an African woman?
Mount Kilimanjaro symbolises strength, resilience, and determination to me as an African woman and a single mum with three daughters. I did it to encourage my daughters and all girls to follow their dreams and build them. It reminds me that we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
Before this climb, had you ever done anything like this before?
I’ve always been an adventurous person, and I participated in various sports during my secondary school days at FGC Kwali, Abuja, where I was very active in inter-school competitions both within and outside the school, including FCT games and many other social activities. I served as Social Prefect in 1998/1999.
However, climbing Kilimanjaro was a unique challenge that required extensive preparation. As a child, I loved climbing trees too, but what really inspired me were the personal challenges I went through over the last few years. When people thought I had given up on life, I went to Tanzania to achieve my childhood dream on Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, and the most beautiful mountain.
Can you walk us through your journey, from preparation to reaching the summit?
Preparing for the climb was intense. I trained physically and mentally, and I had a fantastic team supporting me. My children and sisters were very supportive. I was able to climb a height of 2,756 metres above sea level, undertaking a one-day hike through the Marangu route of Mount Kilimanjaro to Mandara Hut on the magnificent mountain.
The journey took a whole day, going up and coming down, as I did it in commemoration of International Girl Child Day on October 11, 2025. It took us several hours to reach the top. The most challenging part was the steep ascent and the Mandara Forest, where we encountered wildlife, including monkeys of various species, yellow, black-and-white, and blue monkeys.
My tour guide from the Unstoppable Kilimanjaro Tour Company was very helpful, explaining every detail of the journey. We also met other travellers along the way. All in all, it was an exciting experience, and I look forward to reaching the summit in the next few months. Mount Kilimanjaro is truly amazing.
Were there moments you felt like giving up? How did you push through them?
There were moments when I felt like giving up, but I drew strength from my team, family, and friends. I kept reminding myself of my goal and the impact it would have on others.
What went through your mind when you finally stood at the summit?
Standing at the summit was an indescribable feeling. I felt proud, accomplished, and grateful for the opportunity.
What message were you trying to send to Nigerians and Deltans, especially women and young people, by taking on this challenge?
My message to Nigerians, especially women and young people, is that we can achieve anything we set our minds to. Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up.
Did you dedicate the climb to any particular cause or campaign?
I dedicated the climb to empowering young people and promoting tourism in Africa.
As “Valerie of Africa,” how did it feel to plant your identity on Africa’s highest peak?
It was an honour to plant my identity on Africa’s highest peak. I felt proud to represent my continent and inspire others.
What does this achievement mean for Africa’s image, especially for those who think big dreams are out of reach?
This achievement shows that big dreams are achievable. I hope it inspires Africans to explore their continent’s beauty and potential.
How do you hope your story will inspire more Africans and Deltans to explore their continent’s beauty and potential?
I hope my story will inspire more Africans and Deltans to explore their continent’s beauty and potential.
Who supported you throughout this journey?
I had an amazing team supporting me, including my family, friends, and sponsors.
How did your family and friends react when you told them you were climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?
My family and friends were excited and supportive; they knew how much this meant to me.
What’s next for Valerie of Africa after conquering Kilimanjaro?
I’m working on new projects, including empowering young people and promoting tourism in Africa.
Finally, how do you hope this climb will be remembered, as an adventure, a statement, or a legacy?
I hope this climb will be remembered as a legacy that inspires future generations to chase their dreams and never give up.
