In an extraordinary feat, Doris Gomba Obarine, a Nigerian woman and advocate for orphans, has completed a 27-day trek across three West African countries — from Ghana to Lagos, Nigeria. The grueling journey was part of her campaign to raise awareness about the plight of orphans, especially those neglected or misunderstood after losing their parents.

Obarine, who is also an actor and singer, shared her motivation behind the trek in an exclusive interview with SaharaReporters. She explained that the physically and emotionally demanding journey was fueled by her personal experience of losing both parents and a desire to give voice to orphans who are often ignored by society.

“I have always wanted to help humanity, especially orphans, because I am one,” Obarine explained. “I know what it means to lose both parents and face the world alone. I need to stand out so that when I speak, people will listen.”

A Journey with Purpose

Obarine, a graduate of Theatre and Performing Arts from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, explained that the journey had a dual purpose: to advocate for orphans and to gain visibility in her acting career, which had not yet achieved significant breakthrough despite nearly a decade in the industry. She felt that choosing a bold, unconventional path would draw attention to her cause.

“I needed to stand up so that I could stand out,” Obarine said. “If I had just walked the streets to talk about changing the narrative around orphans, no one would have listened.”

Though she initially intended for the trek to be a Guinness World Record attempt, she never received a response after submitting applications in 2023. Undeterred, Obarine decided to proceed with the journey on her own terms, making it a symbol of determination and resilience.

The 27-Day Trek

The journey, which lasted for 27 days, saw Obarine trekking across Ghana, Togo, and Benin before finally reaching Lagos. She spent eight days in Ghana, five days in Togo, and 14 days in Benin.

Obarine shared that Ghana was the most accommodating part of her journey, thanks to the widespread use of English, which made communication easier. She recounted how many locals, seeing her walking under the sun, offered lifts or encouraged her.

However, the trek was not without its challenges. Togo posed a significant challenge due to the language barrier, as Obarine doesn’t speak French. She had to rely on translation apps and sign language to communicate. In Benin, the journey was particularly strenuous, with the trek lasting 14 days due to language difficulties and finding accommodations.

Despite these obstacles, Obarine praised Benin for its cleanliness, safety standards, and road discipline, noting that it made for a pleasant experience in the face of adversity.

Crossing Borders and Cultural Barriers

One of the most stressful parts of the journey was crossing international borders, particularly as a woman traveling alone. Obarine noted that border officials often subjected her to profiling and financial pressure, expecting her to pay large sums before she could cross.

“Being a woman traveling alone, they assume you’re coming to hustle. They expect you to drop big cash,” she said. “But God saw me through.”

She appreciated the support she received from Nigerian border officials, who were proud that she was representing the country positively. However, she pointed out that video recording was prohibited at border crossings, making documentation of the journey difficult.

A Personal Mission

Obarine’s advocacy for orphans is deeply personal. She lost both of her parents at a young age — her father when he was just 41 and her mother at 40. This tragedy altered the course of her life, forcing her to take on the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings.

She shared a painful memory from her past: she lost a scholarship opportunity to study in the United Kingdom after her mother passed away, as she could not afford the initial tuition fee. This experience shaped her advocacy for orphans, many of whom, she believes, lose hope after their parents’ deaths.

“Many orphans lose hope the moment their parents are buried,” Obarine said. “Some become depressed, some end up on the streets, and others abandon their dreams entirely.”

The Road Ahead: Empowering Orphans

During her trek, Obarine made sure to visit orphanages in Benin, where she spent time with children and donated what she could. She shared words of encouragement, urging the orphans to stay focused, determined, and trust in God.

Obarine’s arrival in Lagos was met with a modest yet organized reception, coordinated by her manager and mentor, Dr. Enoh Samson. Although no government agency was involved in the project, she expressed gratitude for the support from those who believed in her cause.

Reflecting on her journey, Obarine expressed that she felt “partially fulfilled” but emphasized that the real work of her advocacy was just beginning. The walk was merely the foundation for her larger mission to help orphans acquire skills and hope.

A Career in Acting

While Obarine’s journey has brought attention to her cause, she also hopes it will help bring her acting career into the spotlight. Despite being a registered member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria since 2010 and appearing in several films, Obarine has yet to receive widespread recognition.

She cited Funke Akindele and Mercy Johnson Okojie as role models and hopes that her advocacy will draw the attention of industry leaders, potentially leading to career opportunities.

Looking ahead, Obarine said any support she receives will be directed toward orphan advocacy and skills acquisition programs while she continues to pursue her acting dreams.

A Message of Hope for Orphans

In her final message, Obarine called on both society and leaders to treat orphans with empathy and responsibility. She urged orphans, in particular, to remain focused and determined despite facing hardship.

“If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will,” she said. “Your greatest competitor is the person you see in the mirror.”

As she recovers from the physically taxing journey, Obarine is optimistic that her persistence will eventually lead to both a breakthrough in her acting career and a significant impact on the lives of orphans.