Pelumi Nubi, a 28-year-old travel content creator, received a warm welcome at the University of Lagos on Sunday, April 7, 2024, following her adventurous solo drive from London to Lagos spanning 68 days.
Ms. Nubi embarked on her journey on January 30, 2024, driving through 17 countries before arriving at the Nigeria-Benin Republic Border on Sunday morning. She was greeted there by Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, representing the Lagos State Government.
After a brief stop in Badagry, Ms. Pelumi headed to UNILAG, where she was celebrated with music and excitement among well-wishers.
UNILAG’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, praised Ms. Nubi’s determination, describing her feat as a reflection of the resilient Nigerian spirit.
Dr. Newton Jibunoh, who completed a similar journey 56 years ago, also shared words of encouragement and passed on the legacy to Ms. Nubi.
During Ms Pelumi’s solo road trip, she faced a daunting challenge in March when she survived a crash. Video footage showed severe damage to her vehicle’s front and a shattered windshield.
Ms Pelumi started from England, crossed into France; Spain, and headed to Morocco; then 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 before finally reaching Lagos.