Captain Olatunji Emmanuel Okedeyi, the Nigerian motorcyclist who completed a 12,200-kilometre solo expedition from London to Lagos to promote global polio eradication, received a hero’s welcome in Ibadan following the successful completion of the journey.

Okedeyi, who undertook the ride between June 12 and July 7 to raise awareness and funds for polio eradication, was received at his ancestral home by traditional rulers, community leaders, Rotary members, fellow bikers and admirers in recognition of his humanitarian campaign.

The homecoming began at the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, who commended the rider for using his passion for motorcycling to advance a global public health cause.

The monarch also pledged £1,000 towards Okedeyi’s fundraising target for polio eradication.

The celebration later moved to the headquarters of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), where Okedeyi received an award plaque in recognition of his humanitarian service.

Presenting the award, CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, described the expedition as an outstanding achievement that had brought honour to Ibadan and Nigeria.

He praised Okedeyi’s courage, resilience and commitment to protecting children through advocacy for vaccination, expressing confidence that he would achieve even greater success in future endeavours.

Among those present were Chairman of the CCII Board of Trustees, Dr Adedosu Balogun; Chief Waheed Ekun; Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, who anchored the event; Okedeyi’s mother, Mrs Okedeyi; Chief Mrs Bola Doherty; Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Sunday Olatunji Makinde, GPJ, CON; members of the Rotary Club led by Rotarian Kunle Adeleke; members of the Oluyole Social Elite Club led by Builder Simeon Oludele Solademi; and members of the Oyo State Bikers Association, including Mr Adesola Adesina, popularly known as Ade Omo Ade.

Speaking after the event, Okedeyi said the campaign was inspired by childhood memories of seeing the devastating effects of polio while growing up in hospital quarters where his late father worked as an ambulance driver for the Oyo State Government.

He recalled witnessing children who were left permanently disabled or died because they were not immunised, an experience that later shaped his commitment to the cause after joining Rotary, which has championed global efforts to eradicate polio for decades.

“I felt I had a responsibility to give back to humanity,” he said. “That was why I decided to ride from London to Lagos—to create awareness and raise £100,000 towards polio vaccination.”

Although the 25-day expedition has ended, Okedeyi said the fundraising campaign remains open, noting that donations continue to come in, including the Olubadan’s pledge.

Reflecting on the journey across 14 countries and two continents, he described it as a life-changing experience that enabled him to engage people from different backgrounds while educating them about the continued threat of polio.

He warned that although many people believe the disease has been eliminated, it remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, stressing that no country is completely safe until the virus is eradicated worldwide.

Okedeyi urged parents to ensure children aged between zero and five receive all recommended vaccinations, describing immunisation as the most effective protection against the disease.

He also expressed appreciation for the reception he received in Ibadan.

“I am proud to be an Ibadan man,” he said. “From the palace to the reception organised by the CCII, the love has been incredible. It shows that Ibadan celebrates excellence, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported this cause.”

He added that the expedition had reshaped his perspective on life, saying true success should be measured by the number of lives positively impacted rather than material possessions.

According to him, the greatest legacy anyone can leave behind is service to humanity.

Okedeyi also called on governments to intensify vaccination campaigns, strengthen public awareness and ensure expectant mothers receive adequate education during antenatal care.

He further urged health facilities to administer polio vaccines to newborns before they are discharged from hospital, saying the measure would improve immunisation coverage and give every child a healthier start in life. (The Nation)

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