The Halix Unisex Salon Team Hike: A Journey Through Nature’s Fragile Beauty

Today's hike with the Halix Unisex Salon team started as a peaceful escape into the hills surrounding Abuja, but as we moved deeper along the trail, the signs of human activity became evident. The hike, which started early, allowed us to see how development and industrial activities were slowly encroaching on nature. It was a sight that opened our eyes to the tension between nature and human aspirations in a city like Abuja, where land ownership is an ambition shared by many.

Human Activity on the Trail: Sand Dredging, Quarrying, and Land Subjugation

As we hiked through the lush greenery, we noticed areas where the land had been dug up, either by sand dredgers or through quarrying activities. These are common sights in Abuja, as the demand for construction materials keeps growing. Abuja’s rapid urbanization is driving these activities, and in places like Dawaki, the hills that were once covered with vegetation are now punctuated with large craters and exposed rock faces. The once vibrant trail was scarred, as sand was removed and the soil was left vulnerable to erosion. We saw large trucks moving in and out, carrying sand and stones, symbols of how nature is being consumed for the sake of development.


It's the same story with land subjugation—plots of land are marked and fenced off, waiting for construction to begin. The dream to own land in Abuja, the capital city, fuels this cycle. As we passed by, it became clear that the greenery was being pushed back to make room for this dream. But this isn't just a local issue. What we witnessed today is a small example of what’s happening globally, and the effects of these activities are undeniable.

The Environmental Impact: Linking Human Activity to Global Warming

The result of these human activities on the land and vegetation is significant. As the greenery is consumed, the natural landscape is left barren. Without trees and plants to protect the soil and absorb carbon dioxide, the land becomes prone to erosion, while the air quality worsens. This also disrupts the local ecosystem, affecting wildlife and the overall health of the environment. Globally, this loss of vegetation contributes to climate change by reducing the planet's ability to absorb greenhouse gases, which in turn accelerates global warming.


Deforestation and land degradation are among the leading causes of the rising temperatures we are experiencing today. Each tree lost means a decrease in the Earth's capacity to regulate its temperature, leading to more extreme weather patterns. Watching this unfold as we hiked made it clear that our collective actions are making the world hotter, drier, and less hospitable for both nature and humanity.

Reaching the Summit: A Breath-Taking View and Team Bonding

Despite the sobering sights along the trail, reaching the top of the hill was nothing short of magical. The view from the summit was breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of Dawaki and its surroundings. From that vantage point, we could see the vast expanse of the city and the green spaces that still remained, but it was hard to ignore the patches of development creeping ever closer. The contrast was striking—nature's beauty on one side, and the encroaching signs of human ambition on the other.


The Halix Unisex Salon team used this moment to unwind and engage in team bonding games. From an exhilarating tug of war to a fun scavenger hunt where we raced to find hidden objects, everyone participated with enthusiasm. A lively card game followed, with laughter echoing through the hills as we shared stories and experiences. It was a refreshing moment of camaraderie, and the sense of unity was palpable as we enjoyed the simplicity of being together, away from the stresses of daily life.

Picture-Perfect Moments: Capturing the Dawaki Cityscape

Of course, no hike is complete without the opportunity to capture the moment. With the stunning cityscape of Dawaki as a backdrop, the floor was opened for picture-taking. Everyone was eager to seize the chance to get that perfect shot—whether it was a solo picture, a team photo, or a candid snap of the fun and games. The view of Dawaki, with its blend of green hills and urban sprawl, made for a picturesque setting, and the memories captured will stay with us long after the hike is over.

A Call to Action: The Need to Protect the Land

Before we descended, a member of Hike Nation gave a brief but poignant lecture. He reminded us of the importance of protecting the environment, urging everyone to consider planting a tree today. His message was clear—development is inevitable, but we must be mindful of the impact we have on the land. Planting a tree may seem like a small act, but it is one of the most powerful ways to counterbalance the environmental damage caused by human activity.


Trees help absorb carbon dioxide, stabilize the soil, and maintain the balance of ecosystems. The motto "Plant a tree today" is timeless because it addresses both the micro and macro levels of environmental care. On a personal level, planting a tree can enhance the beauty of our immediate surroundings, provide shade, and purify the air. On a larger scale, it contributes to the global effort to fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting biodiversity. The act of planting a tree is a simple but effective way to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same green spaces that we cherish today.

A Day Well Spent

As the hike came to an end, we all left with a deeper appreciation for nature and the need to protect it. The camaraderie, the breathtaking views, and the games made the day enjoyable, but the lasting message was clear: we must do more to preserve the environment. As we parted ways, there was already anticipation for our next adventure, perhaps along the Dawaki New Engineering trail, where we hope to continue exploring and bonding, while remaining mindful of the impact we have on the land.


Until then, let us all remember the importance of planting a tree today to safeguard our environment for tomorrow.

Thanks for the read!