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*DATELINE June 11th*
In a bid to empower vulnerable girls and amplify the voices of African women on the global stage, the Oyo State Government indicates its support to Evaida Joy, a daring female motorcyclist and philantropist, who is set to embark on a record-breaking motorcycle journey across 12 African countries.
The mission will not only challenge the Guinness World Record for the longest solo ride by a female biker—currently at 30,000 kilometers—but will also provide life-changing vocational training for 18 orphaned girls who have a similar background of growing up in orphanage institutions in Nigeria like Joy did.
Evaida Joy, who has already ridden through 20 African countries solo, announced her next challenge during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion who received the team on behalf of the State Government.
Supporting the Commissioner during the engagement with Evaida’s Team were Hon Bisi Oluranti Micheal: Chairman House Committee on Culture & Tourism,member House Committee on Women Affairs & the Member representing Ogbomoso North at the Oyo State House of Assembly,the Permanent Secretary Dr Ibitoye and all Directors of the Ministry.
The South Africa-to-Kenya expedition will span 11,000 kilometers, and while the journey is one of personal triumph, Joy’s focus remains rooted in impact.
“I grew up an orphan, and I understand the struggles and vulnerabilities they face.This journey is not just about breaking a record; it’s about breaking cycles of poverty,” Evaida told the Commissioner Hon( Mrs) Toyin Balogun and other officials during her visit.
This program will be empowering 18 orphaned girls with three months of intensive vocational training in tailoring, hairdressing, and catering. After graduation, each will receive capital to start her own business.”
Hon. Bisi Oluranti Oyewo-Michael (BOOM) expressed her admiration for Evaida’s mission. “I was touched by your story and amazed by your courage. It’s rare to see someone turn personal hardship into hope for others. May God continue to strengthen you,” she said.
Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun, also pledged institutional backing for Evaida’s mission. Despite the state being in a period of mourning, the Commissioner and her team at the ministry made time out to receive the biker, describing her initiative as one that dovetails neatly with the ministry’s core mandate for the sustainable empowerment and alleviation of poverty from vulnerable demographics
“This is more than a just record-breaking adventure or an adrenaline chasing venture.It’s a symbol of the resilience, courage, and commitment to breaking glass ceilings of the female demograohic,” Hon. Balogun stated.
“You’ve been able to rise above personal and physical challenges, including being orphaned at a young age,a spinal cord injury from an accident to creating a platform for other vulnerable girls to thrive. That is not only truly extraordinary,its remarkable,worth celebrating and what’s more,deserving of support”
She added that the ministry, with the backing of His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, would be delighted to support the training and post-graduation empowerment of the 18 beneficiaries. “Once these girls complete their training, the ministry will work with your team to provide startup grants and equipment to ensure they achieve sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
Hon. Balogun stated that the broad underpinning of His Excellency Governor Makinde’s Omituntun 2:0 Agenda is” Lifting our people from poverty to prosperity’
She reiterated further that this broad agenda was further distilled and situated within the context of her ministry thus:
“We have given ourselves specific targets to lift Four million vulnerable family units from Poverty to Self Sustenance and then,onto Prosperity through the programs ,policies and interventions of the Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Inclusion”
She observed that Evaida’s initiative aligns with the broader goals of her ministry.
“This partnership is timely, strategic, and has a nexus with the Makinde administration’s people-centric agenda on sustainable empowerment”the Honorable Commissioner stated
Evaida Joy’s solo journeys are filmed with a camera mounted on her motorcycle, showcasing not only the gruelling physical demands of the journey but also the stories of the people she meets along the way. She describes her travels as the “highlight of her life,” noting that the adrenaline, purpose, and mission fuel her resolve even in moments of exhaustion.
Her upcoming trip begins next month and is expected to take three months. Upon her return to Nigeria, she plans to host a graduation ceremony for the empowered girls, marking a new chapter in their lives and continuing her mission of impact through adventure.
The following accompanied Joy Evaida as she paid the courtesy call on the Oyo State Government:
Dr Samuel Gbesabi from Fresh FM,Kayode Adepoju MD and Noavis Avishag Schnall
an American Journalist( behind the camera)
Aminat Busari-Adeleke
*INFORMATION OFFICER MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS & SOCIAL INCLUSION*
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