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Nigerian Rotarian and adventurer Olatunji Emmanuel Okedeyi has said he is pushing through difficult weather conditions in Morocco as he continues the #EmmaRidesForZeroPolio fundraising campaign to raise funds for polio eradication, with Mauritania now his next destination.
Speaking during a Facebook Live session on Wednesday, Okedeyi said he faced strong winds while riding between the Atlantic coastline and the desert, describing the journey as physically demanding.
“Currently, I’m in Morocco and heading to Mauritania. I’m hoping to get to Mauritania as soon as possible,” he said.
“Yesterday was a bit challenging. The wind wasn’t cooperating and in between sea and desert, you have these gusts of wind coming from time to time.”
He explained that he was riding through a unique landscape where the desert stretches on one side of the road, and the sea lies on the other.
At the time of the broadcast, Okedeyi said he still had about 350 kilometres to cover and hoped for more favourable weather as he continued southward toward Mauritania.
Okedeyi is undertaking the long-distance ride to raise awareness and funds for polio eradication efforts, particularly for children under the age of five who require routine immunisation.
“Those children need those immunisations. They need those drops to make sure they achieve their potential and get the best in life,” he said.
Appealing for donations, he urged supporters to contribute through an online fundraising campaign, noting that all proceeds would go towards polio-related initiatives.
According to him, the fundraising target is £100,000, with matching support expected from philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates.
“Our target is 100,000 pounds, and Bill Gates and Melinda Gates are also matching this fund. Whatever we raise, they are going to double it,” he said.
Okedeyi added that his journey covers approximately 12,200 kilometres, with supporters encouraged to sponsor sections of the route.
“We’ve divided the total distance into £10 per kilometre. Anyone can sponsor one kilometre, five kilometres or 10 kilometres as the Lord blesses them,” he said.
“Afghanistan and Pakistan still have polio, and children everywhere, including Africa, need to be vaccinated from the age of zero to five.”
He thanked supporters for their prayers and donations, promising to continue providing updates from the road as he advances on his mission to help eradicate polio.
