Nigerian mountaineer out to conquer everest

By Obaji Akpet and Mercy Ebokpo

Benjamin Chukwu is more than just a fitness and wellness coach; he is a living testament to the power of perseverance, ambition, and the indomitable spirit of adventure. As the founder of 10xfit, a personal fitness training company, Chukwu’s influence extends far beyond helping others achieve their fitness goals. He is a boundary-pusher, a record-setter, and an inspiration, demonstrating to the world, and especially to Nigerians, that perceived limitations are merely challenges waiting to be conquered.

His journey, marked by gruelling cycling tours across continents and ascents of Africa’s most formidable peaks, culminates in a bold ambition: to conquer Mount Everest and, ultimately, achieve “The Pinnacle of Ambition.” In doing so, he offers invaluable leadership lessons, demonstrating that the principles needed to summit a mountain are the same principles needed to succeed in any endeavour.

Chukwu’s adventures are not just about personal achievement; they are about inspiring others to push their own boundaries. His cycling feats, including a 760-kilometre ride from Owerri to Lagos in just three days, a seven-day ride from Lagos to Accra, Ghana, and a four-day journey from Lagos to Abuja, showcase not only his physical prowess but also his mental fortitude. These journeys, often undertaken in harsh conditions, underscore the importance of resilience, a key trait of any effective leader.

“It wasn’t just the long miles,” he explains. “It was the ability to endure, to stay strong and determined throughout. That’s what leadership is about too – facing challenges head-on and refusing to give up.”

His mountaineering resume is equally impressive, featuring ascents of Mount Afadja in Ghana, Mount Stanley in Uganda/Democratic Republic of Congo, Mount Cameroon, and, closer to home, Mount ChappalWaddi, Nigeria’s highest point. He has also conquered Mount Kilimanjaro, the “roof of Africa,” a feat that served as a crucial stepping stone towards his ultimate goal: Mount Everest. Each climb has provided valuable lessons.

“Climbing Kilimanjaro taught me the importance of meticulous planning and preparation,” Chukwu reflects. “You can’t just show up and expect to succeed. You need to understand the terrain, anticipate the challenges, and have a strategy in place. The same is true in business, in leadership, in life.”

Chukwu’s Everest expedition is not an isolated event; it’s part of a more enormous, even more ambitious undertaking: “The Pinnacle of Ambition.” This audacious quest involves scaling the 14 mountains on earth higher than 8,000 metres, traversing the highest peaks of each of the seven continents, trekking to both the North and South Poles, and diving into the Mariana Trench – all within a single calendar year. This pursuit, bordering on the seemingly impossible, embodies Chukwu’s belief that limitations are self-imposed.

“The Pinnacle of Ambition is about pushing the very limits of human capability,” he declares. “It’s about inspiring others to dare greatly, to dream big, and to understand that where you come from doesn’t define what you can achieve.”

This “can-do” attitude is a cornerstone of Chukwu’s leadership philosophy. He believes that effective leaders inspire others through words and actions. “I lead by example,” he asserts. “I show people what’s possible. I demonstrate that with hard work, dedication, and a clear vision, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”

Beyond his physical feats, Chukwu is a passionate advocate for health, wellness, and the power of positive mindset. As the founder of 10xfit, he uses his platform to encourage individuals to prioritise their physical and mental well-being. He sees a direct correlation between physical fitness and mental resilience, arguing that the discipline and perseverance required to achieve fitness goals are the same qualities needed to overcome life’s challenges. “Strength is built through persistence,” he emphasises. “Every setback is a setup for a comeback. No goal is too lofty to achieve if you’re willing to put in the work.”

Chukwu’s story resonates deeply because it’s a story of overcoming obstacles. He is a Nigerian adventurer, defying stereotypes and challenging the narrative of what’s possible. He embodies the spirit of resilience, demonstrating that even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, the human spirit can prevail. His journey is a powerful metaphor for life itself, reminding us that we all have mountains to climb, whether they are physical, financial, or personal.

“I believe that we all have mountains to climb,” Chukwu explains. “For me, it could be a physical mountain. For another person, it could be a financial mountain, it could be anything. I use mountain climbing as a metaphor to inspire other people. The principles are the same. You have to plan, you have to prepare, you have to be focused, you have to be determined and not give up.”

As Benjamin Chukwu prepares for his Everest ascent and continues his pursuit of “The Pinnacle of Ambition,” his journey is far from over. It is, in fact, just beginning. His story is an invitation to all of us to examine our own limitations, to dare to dream bigger, and to embrace the challenges that lie ahead. He is not just climbing mountains; he is building bridges, inspiring a generation, and redefining what it means to be a leader. His courage, determination, and relentless pursuit of greatness will continue to inspire for years to come, reminding us that there is truly no peak too high to climb.