UNILAG welcomes Pelumi Nubi Amid Fanfare

By Faith Enang

Pelumi Nubi being welcomed to UNILAG by the VC, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, and other officials

On Sunday, April 7, 2024, the University of Lagos welcomed Travel Content Creator and Globetrotter, Pelumi Nubi who had been on a solo drive expedition from London to Lagos.

Pelumi arrived at UNILAG, her final destination, at exactly 2:25 pm, after 68 days of driving.

She was greeted with carnival-like performances courtesy of students of the Creative Arts Department and the University of Lagos International School (ISL). As well as cheers from the crowd of admirers and well-wishers who had awaited her arrival not minding the scorching sun.

Pelumi proceeded in a slow drive to the Senate House Quadrangle of UNILAG where she finally parked her car which was nicknamed her travel buddy “Lumi the car”.

She was formally received by members of UNILAG Management led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, amidst pomp and ceremony.

In her remarks to formally welcome Pelumi Nubi to Lagos, Professor Ogunsola saluted her courage and indomitable spirit. Ogunsola adjudged it a further attestation to the “unbreakable spirit” Nigerians are made of. She challenged students to take cues from Pelumi by pursuing their ambitions with whatever they have and not waiting for anything or anyone.

Her words, “With this, you have joined the league of notable women like Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and Queen Amina of Zaria among several others who have achieved milestones and shattered records”.

Other speakers at the ceremony included renowned Environmentalist and Businessman, Dr Newton Jibunoh. Jibunoh broke the record as the first Nigerian to drive from London to Nigeria (56 years ago and at the age of 27 years). Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain; Nimi Akinkugbe.

They all described Pelumi Nubi’s feat as an inspiration and a challenge to youths to be undeterred by anything or anyone in pursuing their goals and aspirations.

In her remarks, Pelumi Nubi, whose joy knew no bounds expressed gratitude to God for her safety. She also appreciated her parents and family, the governments of the countries toured, the online community and every stakeholder for the love and support shown to her.

Pelumi said her journey “has shown that it is possible, anything and everything you want is possible, you can do it, so go after it with all you’ve got, with all your energy, with all your life”.

The Travel Content Creator had earlier, arrived at the Nigeria-Benin Republic border. There she was received by her father, Professor Timothy Nubi. Also present was the Lagos State Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka and the Special Adviser, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe.

Nubi’s journey which started from England saw her touring a total of 17 countries. She drove through France, and 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, and Benin before finally arriving in Lagos.