My story is one of struggle, resilience, and transformation. I was born in Chad, a country that, to many, is defined by poverty and conflict. My childhood was shaped by hardship. When I was just 10 years old, my father passed away, and I was sent to live with my uncle. Life there was harsh. I worked long hours on the land, often on an empty stomach, and faced bullying at school and exploitation at home. I was small, malnourished, and constantly made to feel insignificant.
Everything changed when I stumbled across a pamphlet that arrived in the post one day. It was addressed to my uncle, but the image on the cover caught my eye. It showed a man who looked like a mountain, with a promise written underneath: “Follow our exercise training guide, and you’ll be invincible in 12 weeks.” In that moment, I saw a glimpse of a future where I was no longer bullied, where I could be strong, respected, and powerful. That image planted a seed of hope and determination in me.
But my reality couldn’t have been further from that dream. I didn’t have the money to pursue this path right away. Instead, I endured my circumstances until one day, at the age of 16, I decided I’d had enough. After years of abuse and a beating so severe it left scars across my body, I resolved to leave Chad. Desperation drove me to steal from my uncle’s money box. I took what I could and fled, walking through the bush until I reached Cameroon.
From Cameroon, I made my way to Lagos, Nigeria. Lagos was a world unlike anything I had ever known: bright lights, endless crowds, and a pace that overwhelmed me. I found work with a European family, helping with household tasks. For the first time in my life, I had a bit of independence and money. With my earnings, I bought my first pieces of gym equipment—a bench, barbells, and resistance bands—and set up a makeshift gym in the tiny yard next to my room. I trained late into the night after long workdays, driven by my vision of becoming strong.
My body began to change, and people noticed. It gave me a confidence I had never known. Even in moments of danger—like when a madman attacked me with a machete—I found strength I didn’t know I possessed. I disarmed him and stood my ground. For the first time in my life, I felt invincible, not just physically but spiritually.
My journey eventually took me to France, where I worked as a bodyguard for another European family. When I joined my first bodybuilding competition, I entered reluctantly, unsure about showcasing my body in such a public way. But I won. That victory marked the beginning of my career in professional bodybuilding. I competed across France, the UK, and internationally, even making it to the prestigious Mr. Universe finals.
Bodybuilding became my life, but it wasn’t without sacrifice. The training, the diet, and the discipline demanded everything from me. I ate six meals a day, consumed countless eggs and meats, and pushed my body to its limits. Over time, the toll on my body became clear. My knees gave out, and I now rely on a wheelchair. My kidneys failed, a consequence of the malnutrition I endured as a child.
Despite these challenges, I’ve built a legacy I am proud of. I opened my own gym in the UK, providing personal training and mentorship to others. I fell in love with Nayo, my wife and biggest supporter. She stood by me through my victories and my struggles, preparing meals, cheering me on, and enduring my moods during intense training periods.
Now, at 64 years old, I’m surrounded by trophies and memories of a life that’s been anything but ordinary. While my health limits what I can do physically, my passion for training and helping others remains. I tell people, “Our bodies are begging us to use them.” For me, exercise is not just a routine; it’s a reason to live. My journey, shaped by hardship and determination, has shown me the power of resilience and the extraordinary potential within us all.
