A 69-year-old Nigerian solo biker, global adventurer, and humanitarian, Ibijuwon Sofekun, popularly known as Firekiss, has embarked on a 99-day cross-continental motorcycle journey across 40 countries in Europe and Africa to raise awareness about the mental health of the boy child.
Starting from the Republic of Ireland, Sofekun rode through 27 European and 13 African countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, and Nigeria, covering over 25,000 kilometers.
Speaking about his motivation, Firekiss said his mission was inspired by a concern for the declining confidence and mental well-being of young men in today’s world.
“Men have become less confident and more prone to pressure,” he said. “With the mix of social media influence and societal expectations, many boys are losing their sense of direction. It’s time we begin to look at the mental health of the boy child.”
He described the trip as both challenging and enlightening, noting that he met “angels everywhere” who restored his faith in humanity.
“Flying in and out of a country doesn’t show you the country,” he explained. “When you ride, you meet people, taste their food, and experience their kindness. The road is a storyteller.”
According to Sofekun, the journey, which took months of preparation and significant funding, was part of his larger initiative known as Project H.E.L.P., an acronym for Hope, Encouragement, Leadership, and Protection. The project aims to inspire positive masculinity and provide young boys with emotional support and guidance.
“We must nurture boys to become responsible men,” he emphasized. “We may not correct the men who have already gone astray, but we can reduce the number of boys who follow that path.”
Firekiss said he had engaged with 11 Nigerian ambassadors, government officials, and civil society groups during his trip to promote the cause. He urged families, educators, and policymakers to adopt policies and practices that protect and empower young boys.
“This issue has nothing to do with poverty,” he added. “Even in wealthy nations, suicide among young men is a growing problem. It’s time to rethink how we raise and support our boys.”
Sofekun said his goal is to plant the seed of awareness, hoping it will grow into a movement that transforms how society treats the mental well-being of young men.
“I see myself as a Sower of the seed,” he said. “Time will tell how far this message travels, but I believe it will take root.”
