Duduwale Africa Embarks on 800km Trek from Yola to Katsina for Peace,Youth Empowerment‎

YOLA —‎By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola‎‎In a bold gesture aimed at promoting peace, security, and youth empowerment in Northern Nigeria, 53-year-old activist and trekker, Abubakar Umar, popularly known as Duduwale Africa, has announced plans to embark on an 800-kilometre walk from Yola in Adamawa State to Katsina.‎‎Speaking during a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Yola, Duduwale said the trek is part of his personal campaign against terrorism, corruption, insurgency, drug abuse, and other social vices plaguing the region.‎‎“The rise in youth drug abuse, insecurity, and the growing number of educated yet unemployed young people wandering the streets is a national concern,” Duduwale said. “I am trekking to awaken the conscience of our leaders and communities to act.”‎‎Duduwale is not new to long-distance activism. In 2014, he trekked from Yola to Abuja in solidarity with the then-newly elected President Muhammadu Buhari, aiming to draw attention to the insecurity affecting the country. He has also completed treks across all 19 northern states to advocate for peace and education reform.‎‎This latest journey to Katsina’s Kahutu town is also in honor of popular northern musician Dauda Kahutu Rarara, whom Duduwale praised for his contributions to youth development through job creation and efforts to curb drug abuse.‎‎“Rarara is doing his part by providing opportunities and pulling young people off the streets,” he said. “He deserves to be appreciated.”‎‎In addition to his Katsina destination, Duduwale said he would stop by Daura to pay a condolence visit to the family of late President Muhammadu Buhari and would also proceed to Kano to visit renowned businessman Alhaji Dantata.‎‎NUJ Chairman in Adamawa State, Abdullahi Ibrahim, commended Duduwale’s resilience and passion, pledging the support of journalists throughout the journey. “Peace in Nigeria is a collective fight. We are solidly behind him,” Ibrahim said.‎‎In a surprising addition, Duduwale revealed that his next major goal is to embark on an international trek to the United Kingdom a 6,000-kilometre journey he says will take approximately two weeks with the aim of meeting King Charles III and sharing his message of peace.