London – Lagos by Road: Lagos Governor Appoints Nubi Tourism Ambassador
Lagos, Nigeria
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appointed Pelumi Nubi, a UK-based Nigerian solo driver who embarked on a remarkable journey from London to Lagos, as the Lagos Tourism Ambassador. Alongside this honor, Governor Sanwo-Olu gifted her a house, a LAGRIDE vehicle with a customized plate bearing her name, NUBI 9JA, and waived the entire bill for her solo drive adventure.
During a courtesy visit to Lagos House, Marina, accompanied by her parents, Prof. Timothy and Olubukola, CEO/Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola, among others, Governor Sanwo-Olu encouraged Nubi to utilize her platform to showcase Lagos’ rich cultural heritage and beauty to the world.
Governor Sanwo-Olu with Pelumi’s parents as well as Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission extreme left at the State House, Lagos, Nigeria
Furthermore, Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the significance of Nubi’s journey, not just for the gifts bestowed upon her, but as an inspiration for more women to break barriers and compete on equal footing in various spheres of life. He emphasized the importance of her story in empowering the youth, particularly girls, to pursue their dreams.
Expressing her gratitude, Nubi, visibly moved, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for the incredible honor and support. She described feeling blessed as a Lagosian and encouraged the youth, especially girls, to pursue their aspirations relentlessly.
Nubi with her gifted LAGRIDE vehicle
Nubi also extended her appreciation to Nigerians, particularly Lagos residents, for their overwhelming support throughout her journey, which culminated in a grand welcome at the Nigeria/Benin Republic border in Seme, Lagos State. She pledged to continue promoting Africa, Nigeria, and Lagos, especially as the nation’s commercial hub.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa praised Nubi for her bravery, announcing that her car would be showcased in the Lagos Museum as a symbol of her historic journey. Prof. Folashade Ogunsola echoed this sentiment, hailing Nubi as a role model for the younger generation and expressing pride in her accomplishments.
Pelumi Nubi’s father, Prof. Timothy Nubi, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and all government officials for their unwavering support during his daughter’s unprecedented solo drive from London to Lagos.
Nubi’s journey, which commenced on January 31, 2024, from London and concluded on April 7, 2024, in Lagos, took her through numerous countries in Europe and Africa, including France, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, and others, before reaching her final destination in Lagos.
Her arrival at the Seme border in Badagry was met with a hero’s welcome by hundreds of Lagos residents, celebrating her courage and determination in setting a record as the first black woman to undertake such a journey.
