In a shocking development that has caused a national protest and a generalized debate, the defender of the rights of the disabled and the Nigerian women, Ebaide Joy, has had its request for a world record of Guinness rejected and erased completely, despite completing a solo motorcycle trip in 20 African countries.
Ebaide began its impressive trip on March 8, 2024, International Women's Day, which leaves from Kenya on a 250cc motorcycle. In the course of several exhausting months, he sailed only for the African continent, becoming the first woman, especially one who lives with a disability, in undertaking such a feat.
Its history is of determination, survival and challenge against the overwhelming probabilities. At 23, Ebaide was involved in a car accident that left it paralyzed and without the use of her legs. After undergoing extensive surgery that involves rods and screws inserted in its spine, it challenged medical expectations by learning to drive a motorcycle, racing the way for their historical journey in Africa.
After concluding his trip, Ebaide asked Guinness world records for the title of “longest solo motorcycle throughout Africa for a woman”, paying a priority processing rate of $ 1,000.
However, for his dismay, Guinness rejected his request.
The organization cited that the title “was not recognized” and argued that its trip was not “personal enough”, which suggests that it paid additional £ 10,000 for a commercial consultation.
Despite not having any corporate sponsorship and fully financing and planning of the trip, Ebaide efforts were suggestly fired.
Even more devastating, when he logged in his account the next day, his entire application had been deleted from the Guinness records, without reimbursement, without recognition, without a trace.
“I met all the requirements,” Ebaide told journalists. “They erased my story as if it had never happened. But instead of feeling broken, I feel more determined than ever. I will write my own legacy.”
When refusing to be defeated, Ebaide has channeled its disappointment to a new mission. She has announced plans for another solo trip, this time from South Africa to Kenya, to raise awareness and funds for orphan African girls. Having grown up as an orphan, Ebaide is passionate about empowering young women who face abandonment and difficulties.
In a movement to continue inspiring the change, Ebaide will present an important Pan -African initiative on its birthday, on April 27, with the aim of transforming the future of Africa youth.
Its history, while one of rejection of an international institution is ultimately of triumph, resistance and renewed purpose. For many Nigerians and Africans in general, Ebaide Joy has already earned its place in registration books, regardless of whether Guinness recognizes it or not.