Guinness World Records Greenlights Nigerian Man's Ambitious Trek from Port Harcourt to Lagos
A 30-year-old Nigerian man, Wene Promise, has received official approval from the Guinness World Records (GWR) for his daring attempt to cover the farthest distance on foot. The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) accounting graduate is set to embark on a monumental trek from Port Harcourt to Lagos, commencing on Saturday, March 14. This journey, expected to take approximately seven days, marks his second attempt after an unsuccessful bid in 2023.
Wene Promise's Motivation and Background
In an exclusive interview, Wene revealed that his primary motivation for undertaking this challenge is to create awareness about mental health and self-discovery. As a survivor of depression, he aims to leverage the record attempt to inspire others facing similar struggles. Wene, originally from Omudioga in Emohua LGA, Rivers State, but currently based in Lagos, explained that his 2023 attempt ended without certification and led to bullying, exacerbating his mental health issues. Now recovered, he is determined to succeed and use the platform to encourage resilience.
Challenges and Preparations for the Trek
Wene anticipates several obstacles during his trek, including network, power, and logistics issues. To address these, his team has implemented strategic measures. They have secured a solar system and power reserve for energy needs, along with sponsorship from an e-hailing company, SheDrive, which has provided a standby vehicle. Additionally, medical challenges from his previous attempt have been mitigated by recruiting volunteer medical personnel to accompany him. Given the security concerns in Nigeria, private security has been arranged to ensure his safety throughout the journey.
Support and Financial Backing
Wene has garnered significant public support for his endeavor, including an anonymous offer of N10 million ahead of the attempt. This comes after he challenged his doubters to reward him with N50 million if he succeeds, a proposal that remains unmet except for this generous contribution. Wene is optimistic that with this backing and thorough preparation, his attempt will be successful and certified by Guinness World Records, silencing critics who dismissed his 2023 effort as a fluke.
Impact and Future Prospects
This trek not only represents a personal achievement for Wene but also serves as a powerful advocacy tool for mental health awareness in Nigeria. By sharing his story and overcoming past setbacks, he hopes to motivate others to pursue their goals despite adversity. The approval from Guinness World Records adds credibility to his mission, potentially inspiring similar initiatives across the country.
