#womenshistorymonth #almaasinobi
”Our Nigerian flag is officially the first and fastest flag to visit all 7 continents! I guess my work here is done. I cannot wait to be homeeee”.
On the fourth (4th) of March, 2024, Nigerian Travel Content Creator, Alma Asinobi, embarked on a groundbreaking mission to shed light on the challenges Nigerians face during international travel due to the country’s low-mobility passport. In pursuit of this goal, she attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest time to visit all seven continents. This record is currently held by American, Johnny Cruz Buckingham, at 64 hours.
Alma began her remarkable journey in Antarctica, traveling through South America, North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia before concluding in Australia. Along the way, she faced numerous obstacles, including visa restrictions, flight delays, and travel limitations due to her Nigerian passport.
Though she didn’t break the record, completing her journey in about 71 hours, as against her plan of 60 hours, her mission was far from ordinary. She sought to raise the Nigerian flag, highlighting the issue of passport inequality, and sharing her story along the way. Her journey stands as a testament to relentless determination and the incredible power of dreaming big.
This 26-year-old travel creator’s journey around the world has imparted valuable lessons, which include the following:
Dream Big; Impossibility Is Only A Construct.
Alma’s goal may have seemed implausible, but she didn’t let that deter her. When she told her friends, family about the plan, they could have said “that’s impossible!”. But she took a daunting challenge and broke it down into manageable steps, proving that even the most ambitious dreams can be pursued with the right plan.
The take home here? No dream is too big.
At first, it may seem unrealistic, even to you, but the secret lies in breaking it into practicable steps. Then follow up with determination and grit.
Alma’s round-the-world journey is proof that every remarkable accomplishment starts with an idea, no matter how unattainable it appears.
Preparation is Everything; Fail To Plan, Plan To Fail.
Before Alma even made it to the first airport, she must have spent hours mapping out her journey, and making plans for all eventualities, like visas to flight schedules. Of course, she still faced challenges along the way, as she shared in her Instagram posts. Still, even the tiniest overlooked detail could have determined the success or failure of her attempt.
And that’s the big lesson here: preparation matters. Whether you’re chasing a personal or career goal, or tackling a new challenge or project, don’t just hope for the best. A solid game plan makes all the difference!
Embrace The Journey; Challenges And All.
No momentous adventure comes without its bumps, and Alma’s journey was no exception. From Embassy delays which cost her some hours, to unpredictable weather, visa issues, amongst others, she faced a number of challenges. But instead of letting the obstacles derail her, she embraced them as part of the experience.
And that’s something to learn: life is never without its own plan. No matter how ready we are, unexpected hurdles will come our way. The real test is in how we respond. We must learn to adapt and keep moving forward. A positive mindset makes all the difference. So, embrace flexibility and resilience as your companions on this journey called life.
Beyond overcoming challenges, Alma’s journey wasn’t just about breaking the record—it was also about living in the moment. As she traveled across continents, she immersed herself in the adventure.
That’s a beautiful, astounding aspect of life: success should not just be about achieving a goal—grow in the process, and enjoy the moments in between. Whether in travel, career, or personal dreams, it’s the journey itself that often shapes us the most.
Recognize the Power of Support; You Are Not Alone.
Achieving something extraordinary is rarely a solo effort. On her journey to break the Guinness World Record, Alma didn’t just rely on her own strength—she leaned on the support of those who believed in her. From the people who helped her plan to those who cheered her on social media, every bit of encouragement played a role in keeping her going.
Alma’s journey reminds us that we don’t have to do it all on our own. While we navigate through life, having the right people by our side can make all the difference. Support—whether from friends, family, or even kind strangers—can give us the strength to keep going, especially when the road feels long. At the end of the day, winning isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about recognizing and appreciating the people who lift us up along the way.
In Conclusion,
Alma Asinobi may not have broken the record, but her name will go down in the history of Nigeria, Africa, and across the world, as a woman who stood for a cause.
We applaud her courage, grit and determination.
So, what’s your big dream? What project have you been putting off because it feels too far out of reach? Remember Alma’s story, and let it be the spark that inspires you to take your own leap of faith—because if Alma can conquer the world, why can’t you conquer your dreams?
