We Africans do not explore and that is why we have remained dormant and it is only by exploration that we can enter the new territories and break down the barriers. We missed out on space age and if care is not taken, we are going to miss on Artificial Intelligence (AI) era and the only thing that can save us from that is if we now begin to explore the way Pelumi has demonstrated
Pelumi Nubi, the solo traveller who has been to over 80 countries returned to heroic welcome on Sunday, April 7. A lavish reception was staged for her first at the University of Lagos, at which she was honoured. Her precursor on such a daring expedition, Dr Newton Jibunoh, who had performed the explorative mission 56 years ago, by driving through the much-dangerous Sahara Desert, and has since repeated the feat three more times, was the Special Guest of Honour at the event. Incidentally, Jibunoh had achieved his own feat at the exact age of 27 that Pelumi just did her own. Pelumi had earlier been received at the Nigeria-Benin Republic border on behalf of Lagos State Government by the Hon Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka and the Special Adviser, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Idris Aregbe. Pelumi Nubi’s second stop was at Badagry from which she headed to Unilag for her homecoming celebration.
“Honestly, Nigeria is definitely home to me, so it’s more than amazing. I expected the homecoming, but this has been incredible, so thank you so much, I am really grateful, and I can’t wait for the celebration that is waiting for me at Unilag.”
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‘I have got to pass on the torch to Pelumi’
Below is the remarks made by Dr Jibunoh at the event.
I WAS contacted by Pelumi’s father, Professor Nubi and I was very excited to know that Pelumi, who he now refers to as my daughter because I was the one that inspired her to take on her journey, was making a solo expedition as I did 56 years ago.
I told him that that my first expedition was 56 years ago and I have since done it four times. I had wanted to do it once more at 86, but my age and health did not allow me.
Dr Jibunoh with Pelumi at he reception at UNILAG
Pelumi made history not only in Africa but possibly the first woman to drive alone from London (United Kindom) to Nigeria.
And with all humility, I have got to pass on the torch to Pelumi because there is so much to gain from the exploration.
We Africans do not explore and that is why we have remained dormant and it is only by exploration that we can enter the new territories and break down the barriers. We missed out on space age and if care is not taken, we are going to miss on Artificial Intelligence (AI) era and the only thing that can save us from that is if we now begin to explore the way Pelumi has demonstrated.
I commend Pelumi’s courage and that of her parents and all those who supported her.
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