In a shocking development that has sparked national outcry and widespread debate, Nigerian female biker and disability rights advocate, Ebaide Joy, has had her application for a Guinness World Record rejected and completely erased — despite completing a solo motorcycle ride across 20 African countries.
Ebaide began her awe-inspiring journey on March 8, 2024, International Women’s Day, riding out from Kenya on a 250cc motorcycle. Over the course of several grueling months, she navigated the African continent alone, becoming the first woman — especially one living with a disability — to undertake such a feat.
Her story is one of grit, survival, and defiance against overwhelming odds. At the age of 23, Ebaide was involved in a car accident that left her paralyzed and without the use of her legs. After undergoing extensive surgery involving rods and screws inserted into her spine, she defied medical expectations by learning to ride a motorcycle — paving the way for her historic ride across Africa.
After concluding her ride, Ebaide applied to the Guinness World Records for the title of “Longest Solo Motorcycle Ride Across Africa by a Woman,” paying a $1,000 priority processing fee.
However, to her dismay, Guinness rejected her application.
The organisation cited that the title was “not recognized” and argued that her journey was not “personal enough,” suggesting she pay an additional £10,000 for a business consultation.
Despite having no corporate sponsorship and fully funding and planning the ride herself, Ebaide’s efforts were summarily dismissed.
Even more devastating, when she logged into her account the next day, her entire application had been wiped from Guinness’ records — no refund, no acknowledgment, no trace.
“I fulfilled every requirement,” Ebaide told reporters. “They erased my story like it never happened. But instead of feeling broken, I feel more determined than ever. I will write my own legacy.”
Refusing to be defeated, Ebaide has channeled her disappointment into a new mission. She has announced plans for another solo ride—this time from South Africa to Kenya—to raise awareness and funds for orphaned African girls. Having grown up as an orphan herself, Ebaide is passionate about empowering young girls who face abandonment and hardship.
In a move to continue inspiring change, Ebaide will unveil a major pan-African initiative on her birthday, April 27, aimed at transforming the future of Africa’s youth.
Her story, while one of rejection by an international institution, is ultimately one of triumph, resilience, and renewed purpose. For many Nigerians and Africans at large, Ebaide Joy has already earned her place in the record books — regardless of whether Guinness recognizes it or not.
and then