Segun James
A United Kingdom-based Nigerian woman, Nubi Pelumi, who embarked on a solo ride from London to Nigeria, arrived Seme Border yesterday to a tumultuous welcome by officials of Lagos government and other Nigerians.
Pelumi arrived at the Seme border point 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 31, 2024 on a solo drive and passed through 17 countries before arriving Nigeria. The first woman to ever undertake such journey.
Her path took her from England to France, Spain, Morocco, and through the huge West Sahara Desert, all by road.
According to itinerary, she drove via Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin before arriving 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, it was learnt.
Speaking at the Seme border on the challenges she faced during the ride, she 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, Aregbe commended her 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.
