Pelumi Nubi, a 29-year-old woman born in Nigeria and raised in the UK, recently achieved the incredible feat of becoming the first woman in the world to drive solo from London to Lagos. Her motivation for this epic 12,000km journey was to learn more about her African heritage, and along the way, she traveled through 17 countries in 74 days, all while wild camping to save money. Nubi’s journey involved five to six hours of driving per day in a tiny, 11-year-old Peugeot 107, showcasing her resilience, determination, and resourcefulness.
Affectionately known as Oluwa-Lumi, meaning “it’s God that lights my path”, Nubi equipped her car with a custom-built fold-out bed and kitchen area for the long journey. Despite facing challenges such as exhaustion and difficult terrains, she persevered and completed the journey successfully. Along the way, she encountered incredible landscapes and experiences, from sampling the food of Senegal to exploring Sierra Leone and Mauritania. Nubi’s journey was not without its challenges, as she was involved in a life-threatening car accident near the border between Liberia and Ivory Coast, but the kindness of strangers helped her through the ordeal.
Nubi’s drive to inspire others and promote tourism in Nigeria led her to document her journey on social media, which resulted in a significant increase in her Instagram following. Upon arriving in Nigeria, she was greeted with an elaborate reception, including a government escort of ten cars and a welcome party attended by thousands. Nubi has since been appointed as an official tourism ambassador for Nigeria and is collaborating with the government to enhance the country’s tourism industry. She also donated her car to a museum in Lagos, hoping it will serve as a historical monument symbolizing resilience and inspiration for future generations.
Through her remarkable journey, Pelumi Nubi has not only made history as the first woman to drive solo from London to Lagos but has also become a symbol of empowerment, determination, and the beauty of Africa. Her story serves as a reminder of the inherent goodness and kindness that exist in the world, as strangers came to her aid in times of need. Nubi’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of chasing one’s dreams, no matter how challenging the path may seem. Her impact on others and her dedication to promoting tourism in Nigeria are truly commendable, making her a role model for individuals worldwide.
