By Jubal Kanayo.
Triggered by a personal tragedy, this narrative unfolds as a captivating story of unforeseen challenges, moments of triumph and a man propelled by a deep and meaningful purpose.
In the realm of mountaineering and geological expedition, Abdulsalam Lukeman stands as a testament to resilience, determination and a deep connection to the natural world. Having conquered Nigeria’s highest point, Chappal Waddi and Africa’s towering Kilimanjaro, Lukeman recently added another feather to his cap by summiting the challenging Island Peak in the Himalayas.
For Lukeman, the inspiration behind taking on the daunting challenge of Island Peak was deeply personal. In a conversation with me, he revealed, “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”.
What started as a quest for personal healing transformed into a pioneering expedition of geotourism, with Lukman becoming the first geologist to summit Chappal Waddi, Nigeria’s ‘Mountain of Death’.
The allure of Island Peak, 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. “I thought, ‘wait a minute, Everest is doable’. But needing to gain firsthand experience before attempting, I decided on Island Peak, an altitude of 6,165m above sea level,” he explained.
However, Lukeman’s journey wasn’t without unexpected 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.
One of the most significant bonds formed during the ascent was with Brian Joseph, an aspiring Canadian climber who shared his experiences and time in nepal to help me in every way possible. “We formed a lifelong brotherhood on that trail as if we had known each other all our lives,” Lukeman said. Despite Joseph’s inability to reach the summit due to altitude sickness, their camaraderie remained unbroken. Lukeman dedicated his victory to Joseph and his girlfriend, Kim, highlighting the deep connections forged in the face of adversity.
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 revealed. The climb not only tested his physical limits but also provided spiritual insights. “Hanging, dangling by a thin sliver of rope, I knew that I was vulnerable by every definition. We were all entirely on our own,” he reflected.
Amid moments of doubt and fear, Lukeman persevered, overcoming his phobia of heights. “It was like a suicide mission. God, as always, proved himself at those trying moments,” he admitted. 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.
While basking in his newest accomplishment, Lukeman conceded that his capabilities at certain points surprised him. “How was I supposed to have known that faced with such precarious situations, I could thrive?” he mused. His triumph on Island Peak has now become a stepping stone toward his ultimate goal—hoisting his country’s flag on Everest in 2024.
In the broader context of mountaineering and geo-tourism, Lukeman’s accomplishment has etched a local altitude record, paving the way for future adventurers.
Quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson, he expressed, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”. Omuya believes he has left a trail that will inspire others and contribute to a growing consciousness about outdoor activities in Nigeria.
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.
Lukeman can be reached via WhatsApp on +234 803 351 6882
