Omolewa Adesuyi, known as “Mama Spade,” is a renowned female biker and influencer from Nigeria. With a passion for adventure and a commitment to safe riding practices, Omolewa has built a significant online following.
One of her most ambitious projects is the “Ride for African Unity,” a solo motorcycle journey spanning approximately 7,000 kilometers across seven African countries: Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. This epic ride aims to promote unity, collaboration, and gender-focused inclusivity across the continent.
Omolewa‘s passion for biking ignited during her university years when she traveled interstate with fellow bikers. This experience sparked a lifelong love for the open road, leading her to enroll in riding school and embark on countless adventures, including a memorable trip to Yamoussoukro in Ivory Coast.
Beyond her personal journeys, Omolewa is dedicated to promoting safe riding practices. She 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.
The “Ride for African Unity” is set to commence in the coming weeks, starting from Lagos, Nigeria. Throughout her journey, Omolewa will document her experiences and share them on social media, giving her followers a front-row seat to this incredible adventure. Follow Omolewa Adesuyi on her “Ride for African Unity” and be inspired by her journey. Her courage, resilience, and commitment to empowering women are truly inspiring. Let’s support her mission and celebrate the spirit of African unity!
Reflecting on your earliest motorcycle ride, what specific memory ignited your passion for biking, and how has it influenced your journey so far?
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’ll always rise again.
“Ride for African Unity” is an inspiring and ambitious initiative. What specific experiences motivated you to take on this ambitious journey, and what core message do you hope to convey through it?
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.
Through this ride, I want to champion African unity and identity, encourage seamless travel and cultural exchange, celebrate the continent’s rich culture and diversity, inspire female empowerment, and promote safe biking practices. This journey isn’t just about the miles; it’s about the message: Africa is one, and together, we are stronger.
The physical and mental demands of such a long ride are immense. Can you share the key aspects of your physical and mental preparation that you believe will be crucial for this journey?
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.
Beyond promoting unity and collaboration, what broader impact do you envision for the “Ride for African Unity,” and how do you plan to measure the success of this initiative?
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.
Can you discuss the brand support and partnerships that have been established for this initiative (if any)?
We are excited about the progress we’ve made so far in securing brand support and partnerships for the “Ride for African Unity.” While we are still finalizing a few deals, I am thrilled to share that four incredible sponsors have already come on board, each playing a crucial role in supporting this initiative:
- Oraimo (Tech Sponsor): Oraimo has provided us with a comprehensive travel pack tailored for this journey. Their innovative tech solutions ensure that I remain connected, powered, and ready for the adventures ahead.
- Metallic Horses (Gear Sponsor): Metallic Horses has equipped me with high-quality protective gear, ensuring my safety and comfort throughout this long-distance ride.
- Medics Partners (Medical Sponsor): Our health and well-being are in great hands with Medics Partners. They will be conducting regular health checks and providing medical support throughout the expedition.
- Beth Beauty Medical Spa (Beauty Sponsor): Taking care of my skin during this demanding journey is essential. Beth Beauty Medical Spa ensures my skin remains radiant and hydrated, helping me put my best foot forward at every stop.
Beyond these confirmed sponsors, I am actively engaging with several other companies, organizations, and brands that align with the initiative’s values of promoting African unity, adventure, and sustainability.
In what ways do you hope that your “Ride for African Unity” will stimulate tourism and economic collaboration among the African countries you’ll be passing through? What are some key highlights or attractions you aim to showcase?
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.
Engagement with your followers is crucial. How do you plan to keep your audience actively involved and connected throughout your journey?
Keeping my audience engaged throughout the Ride for African Unity is really important to me, and I plan to make it fun, interactive, and personal. Real-time updates will be key, as I’ll share daily posts, photos, videos, and live streams across my social media platforms (Instagram- @mamaspade1, TikTok- @mama_spade, and YouTube- Omolewa Adesuyi Mamaspade, X- Mamaspade1, Linkedin- Omolewa Adesuyi) to bring my followers along for the ride. Interactive content such as polls, Q&A sessions, and challenges will encourage participation—whether it’s voting on the next destination or sharing travel tips and recommendations.
Storytelling will play a major role as I’ll share personal encounters, behind-the-scenes moments, and heartwarming stories from the road to create a sense of connection and relatability. Collaborations with local influencers, travel enthusiasts, and organizations along the route will not only expand reach but also provide fresh and diverse perspectives. I also plan to spotlight my audience by featuring their comments, questions, and stories about travel or unity, making them feel like part of the journey. To foster community building, I’ll encourage followers to share their own travel experiences, cultural pride, or unity-themed stories using hashtags like #RideForAfricanUnity, #Ride4Unity, #MamaspadeTakesOnAfrica, and #LagostoCapeTown.
Even after the journey ends, I’ll maintain engagement by sharing highlights, lessons learned, and audience contributions through a documentary, photo book, or blog. By creating a dynamic, interactive, and inclusive experience, I hope to inspire meaningful conversations about Africa’s diversity and potential while making my audience feel like an integral part of this adventure.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of female solo travel and adventure in Africa, and how do you hope your journey will inspire other women to embark on their own adventures?
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.
