When Pelumi Nubi made the announcement that she would be driving solo from London to Lagos, she said, “As far as I know, no black woman has made this journey before. But hey, this isn’t about breaking records. It’s about showing the world that ‘impossible’ is just a word, especially when you’ve got enough grit and determination.”
Background
Pelumi was born in Lagos 28 years ago, but grew up in the United Kingdom. She describes herself as a travel content creator having been to up to 77 countries of the world at age 27. How could achieve this?
“Making up my mind up that travelling was accessible to me and do – able. THE MIND IS SO POWERFUL and usually the first obstacle to overcome,” she stated among other things.
She added that her upbringing was also a contributing factor for that feat, apart from her dual citizenship. “My parents always made it clear that opportunities are meant to be seized. I am always open to trying new thing – no failures, only lessons. Massive shoutout to them for all their sacrifices, forever grateful.”
As she was about to embark on her journey she posted on Instagram, “As a solo black female traveller, I want to show that adventures like this are possible. It’s about exploring our beautiful continent, pushing my limits, and hopefully, inspiring some of you to chase your dreams too.”
She added, “Starting from England, I’ll cross into France, then Spain, and head to Morocco. After that, it’s through the West Sahara Desert, Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Ghana, Togo, Benin, and finally Nigeria, reaching Lagos. We will see how things go!”
An Instagram user, abundyoflagos, commented: “Is this even possible???”
Nubi’s response some weeks later was: “Yes and we’re almost in Lagos.”
Not only did she make it to Lagos, there was a rousing welcome from the governor of the state, friends and fans alike!
Timeline of her journey
Nubi began her journey on January 31, heading from London to Paris, France.
On February 4, she crossed from Paris into Barcelona in Spain.
By February 10, Nubi had made it Morocco in North Africa.
Her journey was not without challenges. On February 18, she had to go for an eye treatment before traversing the Sahara Desert.
On February 20, she crossed the Sahara Desert into Mauritania.
On March 2, she made it to Senegal.
On March 8, Nubi’s journey had reached The Gambia and Guinea Bissau on the 13th. By this time, rough roads had begun to take their toll on her car.
By March 19, she was to enter Sierra Leone when she was temporarily halted by the authorities who refused her entry because her car was a right-hand drive. This delay would postpone her arrival date from March 23 to April 7.
On March 24, she was again refused entry, this time at the Liberian border.
She finally gained entry on March 25 after the intervention of the Nigerian Embassy in Liberia. She would later on that day post on Instagram that she suffered an accident with her car in Liberia.
The reception
Pelumi, after driving about 10,000km arrived Lagos on Sunday, April 7, after 68 days on the road. She met a rousing welcome from Nigerians from all walks of life. At Seme border, she was received by hundreds of Lagos residents, who trooped out to celebrate her courage and determination in setting a record as the first black woman to drive from London to Lagos.
In order to thank her for showing her talent and elevating Lagos and Nigeria, Governor Sanwo-Olu hosted her at Lagos House, Marina, and designated her tourist ambassador. He described her accomplishment as a true African spirit and Nigerian capability.
In addition, the governor gave Nubi a Lagride car and assured her that the government would pay back money spent on the successful expedition. The car used on the excursion will be kept as an exhibit at J. K. Randle.
“I really want to welcome you formally and officially to your home, Lagos, to say to you, that you have signed Lagos where it should be. We want to say how truly proud we are of you.
“This is truly a true African spirit and Nigerian capability. I want to say that the journey has just started,” Sanwo-Olu said at the event.
Pelumi was also welcomed at the University of Lagos on Sunday, where she was met with applause from the assembly of supporters and well-wishers in addition to carnival-like performances by students from the department of creative arts and University of Lagos International School (ISL).
‘A nightmare for us’
Professor Timothy and Olubukola Nubi had this to say when their daughter returned on Sunday
Speaking in a joint interview with Channels TV, they said, “What looks to you people as content creation was a nightmare for us. It has been two months of fun to the whole world but not to us. We are believers in God. We kept on relying in the power of her name Oluwapelumi. (God is with me).”
Her parents said they expected the most challenging part to be when she was travelling across the Sahara Desert. “We thought that getting to the West African borders would be fun. But we found that that was where the challenges were. But we thank God that all has ended in praise.”
In good company
Pelumi’s feat of traveling by road from London to Lagos was inspired by Kunle Adeyanju, who completed the same journey on a motorbike for a polio campaign.
“He did it by bike two years ago. I was on the phone with him and mentioned how it was so cool what he did,” Nubi said.
Fifty-six years ago, a man named Newton Jibunoh, made history as the first Nigerian to drive from London to Nigeria at the age of 27.
An unbreakable spirit
Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola praised Nubi, saying that exemplified the “unbreakable spirit” Nigerians are made of.
“For every woman doing great things I am always proud of them,” said Jadesola Ajibola, chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Oyo State Chapter.
“There are a lot of strong women who need support to thrive. I must commend those behind the scenes giving her that support.
“I am proud of Pelumi and we should continue giving support to women who want to do great things.”
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