‘You’ve demonstrated true Nigerian capability’ – Gov. SanwoOlu
28-year-old United Kingdom-based Nigerian solo driver, Pelumi Nubi, has described her road trip from London to Lagos, has described her adventure as a way of inspiring women and the younger generation of Nigerians to step out of their comfort zone to get things done.
She also vowed to continue to inspire the young generation in the educational service as well as policy changes, especially with border control, adding that there is need to do better to ensure that Africa is a free continent to travel to.
Recall that Nubi, a travel content creator, commenced the historic journey on 31 January from London, United Kingdom, passing through 16 different countries across Europe and Africa before reaching Nigeria through the Republic of Benin on April 7.
Nubi, while narrating the account of her voyage during a heroic welcome organized in her honour at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, and witnessed by many dignitaries, including the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola; the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Nigerian octogenarian who has crossed the Sahara Desert by car four times, Newton Jibunoh; Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende; among others, appreciated Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents, for supporting her and for trooping out in large numbers to welcome her at the Nigeria/Benin Republic in Seme Border in Lagos State.
Nubi had proceeded to the university via Badagry after she was received at the Nigeria-Benin Republic border by the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka and the Special Adviser, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe.
Hosted by the university’s Entrepreneurship and Skills Development Centre, under the leadership of a Professor in the university’s Department of Business Administration, Sunday Adebisi, the homecoming event featured a cultural display by students of the Dramatic Arts Department and various other groups.
Nubi, while recounting experience, said she encountered a few challenges including a car accident in Ivory Coast, a 24-hour hold at the Liberian border, and was denied entry into Sierra Leone.
She said due to the challenges, she had to postpone her original return date from 23 March to 7 April.
In her words: “The most difficult and longest border I stayed at was Liberia, which was two nights. For me, the Sahara Desert has one of the best roads I drove on, and Guinea has one of the worst roads.
“Some days I drove for 10 hours, some, one hour, while there are days I didn’t drive at all. So, understanding what my body needed, especially as a woman, we have our monthly time. It was important to know when I was exhausted.
“I had eye issues in Morroco, and I was in an accident in the Ivory Coast, but I just prioritized my health over anything else.”
In her remarks, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa described Nubi as an achiever, handing out a challenge unto her to continue being an inspiration.
“Thank you for inspiring us and letting us know that you can be what you want to be. Nothing will stop you but yourself. This should not be last. We are challenging you to continue to explore.”
Mr Jibunoh also commended Nubi while highlighting his experiences as a traveller before his retirement.
“It is only by exploration that we can break down the barriers. Pelumi has done the impossible being the first woman ever to drive from London to Nigeria, I did it 56 years ago alone and I have done it four times after.
“I was hoping to do it again but my age will not allow me. Today I am handing over to Pelumi because there is so much to gain from exploration,” he said.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has named Nubi, as Lagos Tourism Ambassador, while also presenting a house and a branded LAGRIDE vehicle with the customized number plate NUBI 9JA to her.
He also assured Nubi that the Lagos State Government would write off the entire bill for her solo drive from London to Lagos.
Governor SanwoOlu said: “Your experience and journey, which lasted over 68 days, are indeed very inspirational, and you have actually shifted mountains. This is indeed a true African and Lagos spirit that you demonstrated. It is a true Nigerian capability that you have demonstrated, but more importantly, this is a story of Lagos no dey carry last.
“For us in Lagos, we will work with your planners to see how we further celebrate you. And it is not really about you being the one celebrating; it is about the future. It is about the girl-child. It is about the power of possibilities. It is about the power of the mind. You are a complete African story that we can showcase,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
