In the realm of mountaineering and geological expeditions, Abdulsalam Lukeman is set to make Nigeria proud by climbing the highest peak of planet earth – Mount Everest.
To prepare himself for the final task of making it to peak of Everest where he is expected to hoist the Nigerian flag in the coming months, Lukeman just returned to Nigeria after concurring the challenging Island Peak there in the Himalayas, having conquered Nigeria’s highest point, Chappal Waddil and Africa’s towering Kilimanjaro, respectively, much earlier.
But then, for Lukeman, the inspiration behind taking on the daunting challenge of Island Peak was deeply personal. “I wanted to memorialise my son, Jamil, who passed away during a minor tonsils operation. With support from Sal, my adorable wife, I needed something to push me to the edge of my endurance,” Lukeman revealed.
What started as a quest for personal healing transformed into a pioneering expedition of geotourism, Lukman became the first geologist to summit Chappal Waddi, Nigeria’s ‘Mountain of Death’.
The allure of Island Peak, aka Imja Tse, nestled in the Himalayan range, was not just about conquering another summit for him; it served as a crucial step in his preparation for the ultimate challenge—Mount Everest, aka Chomolungma.
“I thought summiting Everest is doable”, but needs some firsthand experience before attempting, then I decided on Island Peak, an altitude of 6,165m above sea level,” he explained.
Of the about 4,000 people said to have summited Mount Everest, only a paltry few of about 11 blacks globally have reportedly reached the top of the world’s highest peak located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas along China – Nepal borderline.
However, Lukeman’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. As the only black man in the expedition, he became a local spectacle, drawing attention from both fellow climbers and the curious locals. Overcoming the odds, he not only reached the summit but also became a local hero along the trail.
The physical and mental preparation for such a demanding climb took Lukeman four years of sustained effort. “I eat only once daily to attune myself to extreme conditions. I go hiking on weekends and my daily routine begins with a 10-kilometre trek,” he disclosed.
The climb not only tested his physical limits but also provided spiritual insights. Amid moments of doubt and fear, Lukeman, who persevered, overcoming his phobia of heights, admitted, “Hanging, dangling by a thin sliver of rope, I knew that I was vulnerable by every definition. We were all entirely on our own. It was like a suicide mission. God, as always, proved himself at those trying moments.”
The emotional explosion upon reaching the summit, with frozen beads of tears on his cheeks, marked a historic moment for him and testified of his unwavering determination.
Although Lukeman admitted that his capabilities at certain points surprised him, his triumph on Island Peak has now become a stepping stone toward his ultimate goal—hoisting his country, Nigeria,’s flag on Everest in 2024.
As the world and Nigeria’s geology community looks toward Lukeman’s next venture—scaling the highest point on Earth—his journey stands as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome, explore and leave an indelible mark on uncharted territories.
Omuya, extends his depth of gratitude to “IAM Trekking and Expedition,” his tour guide company in Nepal for such professional execution of a tasking exercise.
