Reno Omokri, a former Nigerian presidential spokesperson and bestselling author, on January 1, 2025, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Nigerian to abseil down and climb back up the iconic Victoria Falls.

Performing the daring feat without a guide, Mr. Omokri relied solely on ropes and a harness. He descended the 354-foot Batonka Gorge in just 2 minutes and 39 seconds, then jogged back to the top. He wore protective headgear during the descent but chose to climb without it.

The extreme adventure enthusiast, already known for his treks up Machu Picchu’s Inca Trails, Cambodia’s Phnom Kulen mountain range, and hikes in Nepal, added this accomplishment to his growing list of adventurous exploits. In 2019, he also flew over Mount Everest.

The event was documented by James Chinotimba, Abseil Victoria Falls’s manager, and his staff. Journalists from Zimbabwe and Zambia captured the moment on video and later asked Mr Omokri about his motivation.

“Nigeria is the greatest country on Earth,” Omokri said. “The Nigerian spirit within me compels me to attempt great things, to show the world that the mainstream media’s narrative about Nigeria is flawed.”

This daring achievement adds another chapter to Mr. Omokri’s portfolio as a global adventurer and advocate for Nigeria’s positive image.