The Everest Project is a meticulously coordinated advocacy endeavour, aimed at garnering support for the audacious goal of the first indigenous attempt to summit the highest peak on Mother Earth and hoist the Nigerian flag proudly on its summit. From its conception to the present moment, the campaign has been a labour of love and determination.

At the forefront of this endeavour is Abdulsalam Omuya Lukeman, a figure arguably regarded as Nigeria's premier, emerging, wild, outdoors adventurer and an award-winning geologist.

Hailing from Okene in Okene LGA, Kogi State, Omuya is the poster boy and flag bearer for this monumental project. The roots of this ambitious undertaking trace back to Omuya's childhood spent amidst the rocky cliffs of the ancient town. The mesmerising allure of Everest sparked a lifelong fascination, igniting a relentless curiosity about what it would take to conquer its summit.

Despite the passing decades, those childhood fantasies have refused to fade away. A pivotal turning point occurred when Omuya tragically lost his beloved son, Jamil Ozovehe Lukeman. In the face of this heart-wrenching loss, Omuya knew that something transformative had to emerge. He could not return to the person he once was. His courageous wife, Sal, stood by him as he explained his desire to memorialise Jamil's life through a colossal undertaking—The Everest Project.

The journey from this moment of resolve to the present has been a long and arduous odyssey. Omuya, driven by an innate passion, embarked on the first steps of this colossal project without prior high-altitude experience. The initial phase involved local expeditions across the small rocky massifs in his vicinity. Undeterred by his lack of experience, Omuya, accompanied by Sal, then took on the daring challenge of conquering the highest peak in Nigeria – Chappal Waddi.

This undertaking was not without its trials, primarily due to their inexperience. Yet, their success in achieving this milestone was commemorated in a book titled "Conquering Chappal Waddi (the Mountain of Death): Chronicles of an Epic Adventure to the Last Frontier".

Fuelled by this triumph, Omuya set his sights on Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. Seeking guidance from his mentor, Alh. Arisekola, Omuya was pleasantly surprised by the encouragement he received. Arisekola not only supported the endeavour but also facilitated a valuable contact. This marked the beginning of a deeper mutual relationship with Arisekola.

Overcoming extreme cold, unending distances and the debilitating effects of altitude sickness, Omuya reached Uhuru Peak, becoming the second Nigerian to conquer this glacial summit. However, the path to Everest was not straightforward. Local legislation in Nepal required Omuya to submit a lower peak as proof of intent and capability.

In late October 2023, armed with a hard-won visa and unwavering hope, Omuya departed for Nepal. The ensuing 24 days would test his mental and physical limits, but against all odds, he stood proudly on the summit of Island Peak, 6,160 meters above sea level.

Overwhelmed with emotions, Omuya acknowledges that the final leg of his journey—Everest—is not expected to be easy. He harbours apprehensions about the challenges ahead but remains resolute in his pursuit of glory and his chance to become a part of history.

Described as stoic, tough and unrelenting, Omuya's adventurous spirit extends beyond conquering peaks. Hailing from a family of bikers, he often undertakes daring expeditions on his motocross bike, his favourite pastime.

Now, Omuya passionately solicits support in any form possible. He invites others to join the campaign to make history together. It is possible. Join the raging campaign to make this happen.