Ms Nubi stated essentially the most tough and longest border delay she skilled was in Liberia, noting that “the Sahara Desert has probably the greatest roads I drove on, Guinea has one of many worst roads.”
The 28-year-old solo London to Lagos driver, Pelumi Nubi, on Sunday, recounted her experiences throughout an unprecedented journey by a girl, which took her 68 days to attain.
Ms Nubi, who commenced the historic journey on 31 January from London, United Kingdom, stated she handed by means of 16 totally different international locations throughout Europe and Africa earlier than reaching Nigeria by means of the Republic of Benin on Sunday.
She narrated the story of her voyage throughout a heroic welcome organised in her honour on the College of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, and witnessed by many dignitaries, together with the establishment’s Vice-Chancellor, Folasade Ogunsola; the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Fee (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Nigerian octogenarian who has crossed the Sahara Desert by automobile 4 occasions, Newton Jibunoh; Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Growth, Mobolaji Ogunlende; amongst others.
Ms Nubi had proceeded to the college by way of Badagry after she was acquired on the Nigeria-Benin Republic border by the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Tradition, Toke Benson-Awoyinka and the Particular Adviser, Tourism, Arts and Tradition, Idris Aregbe.
Hosted by the college’s Entrepreneurship and Abilities Growth Centre, below the management of a Professor within the college’s Division of Enterprise Administration, Sunday Adebisi, the homecoming occasion featured a cultural show by college students of the Dramatic Arts Division and varied different teams.
Challenges
Based on Ms Nubi, she encountered totally different challenges, together with a automobile accident in Ivory Coast, a 24-hour maintain on the Liberian border, and was denied entry into Sierra Leone.
She stated because of the challenges, she needed to postpone her authentic return date from 23 March to 7 April.
Recounting her challenges, Ms Nubi stated: “Probably the most tough and longest border I stayed at was Liberia, which was two nights. For me, the Sahara Desert has probably the greatest roads I drove on, and Guinea has one of many worst roads.
“Some days I drove for 10 hours, some, one hour, whereas there are days I did not drive in any respect. So, understanding what my physique wanted, particularly as a girl, we have now our month-to-month time. It was essential to know once I was exhausted.
“I had eye points in Morroco, and I used to be in an accident within the Ivory Coast, however I simply prioritised my well being over anything.”
What subsequent?
When requested about what’s subsequent after the London-Lagos solo drive, she stated she is enthusiastic about travelling and can proceed to discover whereas inspiring others, particularly ladies, to step out of their consolation zone to get issues finished.
“I’ve all the time being a traveller. I’ve travelled to over 80 international locations, and I’m going to proceed, I’m not going to cease instantly,” she stated.
“I wish to proceed to encourage the younger technology within the instructional service in addition to coverage adjustments, particularly with our border management. We have to do higher to guarantee that Africa is a free continent to journey to.”
Celebrating Nubi
In her welcome deal with, the UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Mrs Ogunsola, inspired younger individuals to emulate Ms Nubi and never hand over on their desires.
She stated: “I welcome everybody and Pelumi the lady with the indomitable spirit. For Pelumi to stay in London and spend hours on the street, she went by means of 17 international locations. She embodies the Nigerian spirit. She is the second particular person to do it.
“Nigerians are brave. She was not afraid of racism and issues that may be on the best way. I would like all of us right here to know that there’s nothing you can not do. All that’s stopping you is in your thoughts.
“Queen Amina of Zaria took to battle and conquered; Captain Chinyere Kalu was the primary feminine pilot, amongst others. Pelumi has proven us that when the going will get powerful, the powerful will get going. Pelumi, we’re pleased with you!”
In her remarks, Mrs Dabiri-Erewa stated when Ms Nubi obtained caught in Ivory Coast, “we began operating round and obtained the embassy there to see what they might do however guess what? She sorted herself. She did it alone. She is an achiever.”
“Thanks for uplifting us and letting us know that you may be what you wish to be. Nothing will cease you however your self. This shouldn’t be final. We’re difficult you to proceed to discover.”
Mr Jibunoh additionally counseled Ms Nubi whereas highlighting his experiences as a traveller earlier than his retirement.
“It is just by exploration that we will break down the boundaries. Pelumi has finished the unimaginable being the primary lady ever to drive from London to Nigeria, I did it 56 years in the past alone and I’ve finished it 4 occasions after.
“I hoped to do it once more however my age is not going to permit me. Immediately I’m handing over to Pelumi as a result of there may be a lot to achieve from exploration,” he stated.
Mr Ogunlende, in his feedback, counseled Ms Nubi “for setting a tempo for the youth as a result of lots are afraid to take a step and begin that journey.”
“Ms Nubi has proven us that the unimaginable is nothing and you may break boundaries. We thanks for all you’ve finished. The Lagos authorities is all the time behind you,” he stated.