There are trips you take, and then there are journeys that take something from you, give you something new, and leave you thinking long after you've arrived. That’s how my trip from Makurdi in Benue State to Ogoja in Cross River State felt. What made this journey even more meaningful was that I didn’t just pay for it from my pocket I spent HBD (Hive Backed Dollars) I had earned through writing on Hive. That, in itself, was a huge milestone.As I planned my trip, I knew I wasn’t just traveling between states. I was stepping into something bigger growth, exploration, and new inspiration. The route from Makurdi to Ogoja isn’t the most common, but it’s deeply significant for anyone trying to experience the rich culture and life of Nigeria’s Middle Belt and the South-South.
I got to the NURTW (National Union of Road Transport Workers) park early. The atmosphere was the usual drivers shouting destinations, travelers bargaining prices, and hawkers selling everything from snacks to handkerchiefs. I paid ₦10,000, as shown on my ticket, and was given seat 363. The vehicle was in fairly good condition, and I was hopeful the journey would be smooth.What made me smile quietly was the fact that this fare wasn’t covered from a regular job or a family loan. It came from Hive. The little earnings I’d made from sharing my thoughts and creativity in the Hive community had added up. I simply exchanged my HBD to naira and paid with pride. It felt like I had earned this travel not just financially, but emotionally too.
We left Makurdi around mid-morning. The roads out of Benue started off in decent shape but quickly reminded us of the challenges of Nigerian road infrastructure. Potholes became companions, and at times, we slowed to a crawl to navigate bad patches.
But beyond the discomfort was the scenery green fields, bustling local markets, small villages with children waving at our vehicle, and stretches of untouched beauty.The closer we got to Cross River, the more the air changed. Literally. It got cooler and fresher, and the landscape transformed into rolling hills and dense vegetation. Cross River’s natural charm isn’t just in Obudu or Tinapa it’s in every tree, every bend in the road.Being in that vehicle, moving through towns I’d never been to before, I had time to think. A lot, actually. I reflected on how a few months back, I wouldn’t have imagined that writing online on Hive of all places could actually help me fund a real life experience. It wasn’t millions, but it was empowering.I thought about the power of community and consistency. Writing about my life, my thoughts, even simple things like meals and observations, had somehow accumulated into real value. HBD wasn’t just digital money it had become transport fare, a travel experience, and a story worth telling.We reached Ogoja by early evening. The town was calm, welcoming, and had that blend of local and evolving urban life. I could hear the soft sound of Afrobeats from distant speakers, mixed with the aroma of food being prepared probably Afang soup or rice and stew. Even though I was tired, I felt accomplished.
This journey wasn’t just about moving from point A to B. It was about what’s possible when you take small steps consistently. My Hive posts weren’t viral. My followers were few. But they were real, and my voice was heard. That was enough.So here I am, in Ogoja, feeling deeply grateful not just for the safe journey, but for how far I’ve come. Hive isn’t just a blogging platform. It’s a bridge. For me, it connected my ideas to opportunities, and now, it’s connecting me to new places physically.If you’re on Hive and wondering whether your posts matter trust me, they do. Whether it’s 1 HBD or 10, it adds up. One day, it could buy you a meal, pay for a book, or take you to a whole different state like it did for me.And to anyone reading this who hasn’t started creating on Hive now might be the time. Write your truth. Share your story. You never know where it might take you. For me, it brought me here from Makurdi to Ogoja, powered by words, community, and a Little crypto magic.