Pelumi Nubi, a United Kingdom-based Nigerian, has made history as the first black woman to embark on and complete a solo road trip from London to Lagos. The 28-year-old travel content creator arrived at the Nigeria/Benin Republic border in Seme, Badagry, on Sunday, April 7, 2024, to a warm reception from top Lagos State Government officials and hundreds of enthusiastic Lagos residents.
Nubi commenced her extraordinary journey on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, driving through multiple countries across Europe and Africa. Her road manifest included traversing France, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, before finally arriving in Lagos, Nigeria.
Upon crossing into Nigeria from Benin Republic through the Seme border, Nubi was greeted by high-ranking officials from the Lagos State Government, led by Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Mr. Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Expressing her excitement and gratitude upon her arrival at the Seme border, Nubi thanked Nigerians for their warm welcome and support throughout her journey. She highlighted the challenges she faced, including border control limitations, an accident, loneliness, and missing her family, but emphasized that the experience was a testament to her determination and resilience.
Speaking to journalists immediately after she arrived at the Seme border, Nubi said she was excited to be in Nigeria after over two months of a solo road trip from London to Lagos.
She said: “Thank you so much for having me. I am so grateful to be home. Thank God for a safe journey, and I am really excited for the days ahead.
“I am so grateful to Nigerians. Thanks to everybody. The trip was more than a two-month journey. I started on the 31st of January, and now I am here. I am so excited to have made the trip.
“I crossed the border today at 10:10 am, and it was an amazing reception. There was dancing, and the Lagos State Government welcomed me so well, and it was so nice to have such a home coming right from the border while making my way towards Lagos.”
Speaking further, she said the solo trip from London to Lagos is to showcase the continent of Africa to the world.
“There were so many challenges; from some limitations at border controls to the accident I had, to loneliness, missing my family, to doing this by myself, remember this drive has been solo.
“The car is the testimony. We go through the downs and the ups, just like in life. And honestly, it is just to showcase the continent of Africa that we can truly exploit it more and showcase it to the world more. It has been an absolute pleasure doing this.”
Speaking to journalists, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, said Pelumi Nubi has demonstrated a can-do spirit.
He said:” I am super happy. This is the Lagos spirit that we are talking about. I am happy Pelumi did it. She has demonstrated a can-do spirit. She is a role model for other young Lagosians. We can do a lot to make sure that we put our name on the map.
“Lagos tourism is rising. This is what we are talking about in terms of entertainment and hospitality. Lagos will continue to lead in other developments. I am happy that I have a Governor (Sanwo-Olu) who believes so much in youth and tourism, and that is why he is doing a lot.”
Also speaking, Pelumi’s mother, Mrs. Olubukola Nubi, described her daughter as adventurous and courageous.
She said: “As a child, she has always been adventurous. Our first trip together was in 2004. We went to New York; we went to every street. Since then, she has been making her move, and before I knew it, she had travelled to 80 countries.
“Travel is a second name for Pelumi, and she loves it. As our only daughter among two boys, she is courageous, adventurous, and smart. I am proud of her achievement, and I pray God continues to be with her.”
Nubi’s solo expedition aimed to showcase the beauty and diversity of the African continent to the world. She emphasized the importance of exploiting Africa’s potential and promoting it as a tourist destination on a global scale.
In response to Nubi’s remarkable achievement, Mr. Idris Aregbe, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, lauded her for demonstrating a can-do spirit and serving as a role model for young Lagosians. He highlighted the significance of Nubi’s journey in promoting tourism and boosting Lagos’ reputation as a leading destination.
Pelumi’s mother, Mrs. Olubukola Nubi, described her daughter as adventurous and courageous, noting that travel had always been a significant part of her life. She expressed pride in her daughter’s accomplishments and extended her prayers for continued success.
Pelumi Nubi’s solo road trip stands as a testament to the power of determination, adventure, and the enduring spirit of exploration. Her historic achievement has not only etched her name in the annals of travel history but also serves as an inspiration for others to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
