Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Abike Dabiri-Erewa has said the London to Lagos solo driver Pelumi Nubi did not want any help.
Mrs Dabiri-Erewa stated this on Monday when she led Nubi and her parents to meet Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Marina.
“One thing about this inspirational and courageous lady is that she didn’t want any help as such,” she said.
“’I’m going to do it alone and I’m going to get it done.’ Her ‘can do’ spirit is commendable and worthy of emulation.”
Nubi, a Nigeria-British citizen and travel content creator, did a solo drive from London to Lagos in 68 days.
Sanwo-Olu presented her a branded car, a house and named her a tourism ambassador of the state.
Nubi’s parents, Prof and Mrs Gbenga Nubi; vice-chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof Folasade Ogunsola; some members of Lagos State executive council, among others, witnessed the event.
“I welcome you, Pelumi, officially, on behalf of 25 million plus residents of Lagos and the entire country.
“We want to say how truly proud we are to be associated with you,” said Sanwo-Olu.
Nubi’s trip from the UK took her through France and Spain into Africa through Morocco.
She went across Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and finally to Lagos, Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu called on youths to emulate Nubi’s resilience and believe in their abilities.
Responding, Nubi thanked the Lagos State Government for the support.
“I’m honoured. It’s not just about planning to do something, but about actually doing it. I have travelled to over 80 plus countries, I was very intentional about showcasing Africa, because what you see in the main media is poverty.
“The feedback has been amazing on my social media, people now see a new Africa.
“I will continue to showcase Lagos State; this is where it started from, it has been a great honour, it felt really nice to be recognised.
“Travel continues to be a part of my journey; when Lagos shines, Nigeria also shines,” she said.