On April 7, 2024, Pelumi Nubi made history as the first Nigerian woman and black woman to embark on a solo drive from London to Lagos.
This remarkable journey garnered widespread celebration, marking a significant milestone in both global travel and representation for women especially.
Now appointed as the new Lagos Ambassador by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Pelumi’s journey continues to inspire many.
During the press conference held at her welcoming ceremony at the University of Lagos, she elaborated on the details of her historic trip and discussed her future plans.
What was your reason for going on the solo drive from London to Lagos?
I wanted to inspire more women to step out of their comfort zone and do challenging stuff. I wanted to explore the two places that I consider home: London and Lagos at the same time, especially the West African country. The media sometimes tend not to put it out there and what we get are just negative remarks. It was important for me to just showcase and highlight it as well.
It was just important for me to inspire all the black women, other travellers that they can step out of their comfort zone too.
Which country’s border was the most difficult for you to cross?
The most difficult border – and which was where I spent the longest time in – is Liberia. I had to stay there for two nights.
Can you share some of the challenges you encountered?
Definitely being a woman and alone on the trip. I was just really finding myself, having to navigate this thing. With trips like these, people tend to have a team with them. They tend to have someone driving, someone doing the medical, someone doing logistics. I had to wear multiple hats and do it all flawlessly while updating people on social media as well. That was a very important part of the trip, in order to inspire the next generation.
Which country had the best road and the worst road for you?
Sahara Desert had one of the best roads that I drove on. Guinea had one of the worst roads that I drove on.
How were you able to navigate the Sahara using your car?
For the Sahara, people believe that you needed a 4 by 4, a big vehicle, but I used my Peugeot 107. It is a very small vehicle. It was the vehicle I had and it was important I made use of the thing I had at the moment. That is why I did it on that vehicle and it lasted for the journey.
How were you able to keep up with your health throughout the journey?
I was just listening to my body. Some days I drove for 10 hours, other days I drove only one hour. There were days I did not drive at all. So it was really about understanding what my body needed. As a woman, you know we have our monthly time. It was important to know when I’m tired and exhausted. I take extra breaks on those days. At those times, I like a more fancier kind of place to stay compared to camping in my car.
I had an issue with my eye in Morocco. I was involved in an accident in Ivory Coast but I was also prioritizing my health over anything else.
What’s next for you?
I’ve always been a traveller. I’ve travelled to over 80 countries. So, it’s definitely something I’m going to continue to do. I won’t stop suddenly. I want to definitely continue to inspire the young generation.
In policy changes especially with our border control, I think we need to do better to make sure that Africa is a freer continent to travel through.