Excitement as Lagos govt receives Pelumi, the Solo Driver from London to Lagos
Ayodele Olalere
Nubi Pelumi, the Nigerian United Kingdom based woman who embarked on a solo drive ride from London to Lagos, on Sunday arrived Lagos to a grand welcome by Lagos government officials and well wishers.
Nubi arrived at the Seme border between Republic of Benin and Nigeria at 9:10am and was checked by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.
She was welcomed by the Lagos State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Toke Benson, Special Adviser on Tourism, Idris Aregbe, her parents, students from the University of Lagos, UNILAG, among other well wishers.
Twenty-eight year old Nubi left London, United Kingdom on January 31st, 2024 on a solo drive and passed through 17 countries.
Her path took her from England to France, Spain, Morocco, and through the huge West Sahara Desert, all by road.
From there, she drove via Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin before arriving triumphantly in Lagos
She had different experiences, some good and some bad, and documented them all on social media. She faced quite a hassle with many immigration officers in Africa. She was denied entry to Sierra Leone at the border and her car was involved in an accident on the Ivory Coast.
She had to postpone her arrival twice. Despite the challenges, she overcame them and arrived today Sunday, April 7, 2024 at the University of Lagos.
While speaking at the Seme border on challenges she faced during her solo ride, Nubi said she felt so lonely during her four months ride and missed her family. She also mentioned the accident as a difficult moment during her journey.
She expressed excitement at the completion of her solo drive and thanked Lagos State government for their support.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Tourism, Idris Aregbe commended Nubi for her doggedness.
“She has demonstrated the Lagos spirit that we can do a lot and make sure we put our name on the map. I am super happy that Lagos State is rising in terms of entertainment and hospitality. I am happy we have a governor that has done a lot in tourism which is why we are seeing a lot of youths coming out. She is not the first and she’s not going to be the last. We are going to continue to support every Lagosian who means well for Lagos “ Aregbe said.
