BY LUCY EZELIORA
IN a bid to inspire African youths, an Ivorian cyclist, Jasmine Dawara Affuoe’s has pedaled her way across five West African countries—from Côte d’Ivoire through Ghana, Togo, Benin, finally arrived Nigeria down to Asaba in a mission to inspire and empower the next generation.
Speaking at a press conference organize under the FADE Africa to welcome the cyclist, Dawara Affuoe’s, the Desert Warrior, Dr. Newton Jibunor disclosed that for nearly two months, Jasmine cycled under the rains, across broken roads, and through difficult emotional moments, but she never lost focus.
According to him, she wanted her ride to send one message to Africa’s youth who are limitless.
“Her courage, spirit, and determination threw me off balance,” Dr. Jibunor said of Jasmine. Continuing, he said: “I thought I was probably the foremost adventurer, but her ambition and resilience are extraordinary. Initially, Asaba wasn’t on her route, but I insisted she must come here, because her mission connects deeply with my mission.
He added that jasmine’s ride was more than an adventure. “She uses it as a platform to raise awareness and funds to provide bicycles for school girls who walk long distances to reach their classrooms. Along the way, she stops to speak with young people, urging them to believe in themselves and their dreams.
“Since setting off on June 25, 2025, from Korhogo in Northern Côte d’Ivoire, she has cycled through Kumasi and Accra in Ghana, into Togo, Benin, and now Nigeria. Thanks to the ECOWAS free-movement protocol, she crossed all borders without visas, making her 1,500 km-plus journey smoother, though not without challenge”, he said.
As Dr. Jibunor reflected on his own Sahara expeditions nearly six decades ago, he praised Jasmine for carrying the torch forward:
“History is made by those who dare. I see in Jasmine the same spirit that drove me across the Sahara. Her journey is not just about cycling—it is about inspiring Africa’s future.”
Appreciating the FADE Africa as her host, Jasmine described Dr. Jibunor as one of her greatest inspiration. “I am inspired by the Desert Warrior’s Legacy. I am happy to be here by the side of Dr. Jibunor, who is an inspiration and a desert conqueror. He inspired young people, including myself, to raise our voices and follow his path.”
According to her, “Dr. Newton Jibunor is no stranger to daring expeditions. In 1966, at just 27 years old, he drove solo from London to Nigeria across the Sahara Desert, arriving in early 1967.
“He repeated the feat three more times, completing a total of four expeditions across the Sahara—two of them with Nigerian scientists to raise awareness about desert encroachment and climate change.
“Through his NGO, FADE (Fight Against Desert Encroachment), established 25 years ago, Dr. Jibunor has dedicated decades to promoting environmental sustainability in Nigeria and across Africa. His work spans from the northern states bordering the Sahara down to Delta State, where FADE now has its base”, she explained.
Jasmine also directed her message to African leaders, urging them to invest in young people through education, healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental solutions. For young Africans, Jasmine’s journey is a lesson: no dream is too big, no road too long, and no obstacle too strong when courage meets purpose.
