What is ajala the traveller?

Ajala the Traveller, also known as Alhaji (meaning "pilgrim" in Arabic) Jakande, was a Nigerian travel writer and explorer who gained international attention for his 504-day, 80,000-kilometer journey across 87 countries in the world between 1952 and 1954. Born in 1936 in Igboho, Oyo State, Nigeria, Ajala was an entrepreneur who made his fortune renting canoes on the river Niger before embarking on his epic journey. He traveled using different modes of transportation, including trains, boats, bicycles, camels, and even on foot.

During his travels, Ajala met with world leaders such as Dwight D. Eisenhower and Jawaharlal Nehru, as well as celebrities like Marlon Brando and Harry Belafonte. He also wrote a book about his experiences called "An African Abroad," which was published in 1962.

Ajala was considered a cultural ambassador for Nigeria, showcasing the country's rich traditions and culture to the world through his travels. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 62. Today, his legacy lives on through his writings and the Ajala Travel and Tours Limited, an agency that carries on his mission of promoting travel and cultural exchange.