Seunfunmi Joshua
Pelumi Nubi, a UK-based Nigerian, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first black woman to solo drive from London to Lagos.
After her challenging journey, Pelumi successfully completed the drive from London to Lagos on Sunday, April 7th, 2024. She traveled through 17 countries over 68 days before reaching her destination. Upon her arrival at the University of Lagos, the 29-year-old received a warm welcome from members of the immigration service, government officials, followers, and well-wishers who had been tracking her journey since she set out in January.
While Pelumi Nubi’s achievement is remarkable, she is just one of many adventurous record-breakers. Here are five others who have also set impressive records over the years.
Kunle Adeyanju
In 2022, Kunle Adeyanju, also a Nigerian based in the UK rode a motorcycle from London to Lagos to raise awareness about polio. His journey spanned 40 days after he began on April 19, 2022, traveling through 16 countries before reaching Lagos on May 29, 2022. Along the way, he covered about 12,000 kilometers, visiting countries like France, Spain, Casablanca, Cote d’Ivoire, and Accra.
Akpevwe Ogboru
In 2023, Akpevwe Ogboru also became the first woman to ride a motorcycle through 12 African countries. Akpevwe, an officer of the Nigerian Customs Service, started in Lagos on November 10, 2023, and finished at the Seme-Krake border post on December 3, 2023, covering over 8,000 kilometers. Her journey included stops in Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Togo
Hafsah Olayemi
Nigerian immigration officer Babatunde Hafsah Olayemi achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first female biker to visit all 19 northern Nigerian states in one trip. According to her, she embarked on this adventure out of curiosity about the North and her love for exploration, starting her journey from Abeokuta on June 4, 2023. She traveled approximately 5,920 kilometers in two weeks.
Akinrodoye Dare
Nigerian swimming coach Akinrodoye Dare swam the entire length of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos to raise awareness about mental health issues. He completed the 11.8 km swim in two hours and 33 minutes on Saturday, March 30, 2024, becoming the first person from Lagos to do so.
Abubakar Duduwale
In 2015, Abubakar Duduwale walked 788 kilometers from Yola to Abuja for Buhari’s inauguration. A feat which gained widespread attention. In his words, “The reason why I am trekking from Yola to Abuja is to express my joy and solidarity with President-elect Muhammadu Buhari.”
Wrapping Up,
Pelumi Nubi’s historic solo drive from London to Lagos, alongside the accomplishments of these other trailblazers, shows us the importance of bravery and perseverance. Their stories inspire us to chase our own dreams and to never give up, knowing that with determination, we can achieve incredible things.
