Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday officially received Nubi Pelumi, a sole driver who embarked on a 68 days journey from London to Lagos and named a tourism ambassador for the state as well as gifted her a car.
28-year-old Pelumi took off the Journey on January 31st and arrived on Sunday April 7 at Seme Border, and to show appreciation to her for showcasing her talent and putting Lagos and Nigeria on a positive pedestal, Sanwo-Olu hosted her at Lagos House, Marina and named her tourism ambassador.
The governor also gifted her a lagride vehicle and promised to offset the entire bills spent for the successful journey.
Sanwo-Olu also said her vehicle used in the course of the journey would be stationed at J Randle as an artifact.
“You have signposted Lagos where it should be. We want to say how truly, we are proud of you. This is truly a true African spirit and Nigerian capability. We want to be grateful to your parents for encouraging you. There are lots of possibilities when parents encourage their children,” he said.
He added: “On behalf of the government of Lagos State, I want to officially name you tourism ambassador, it comes with responsibility. We want to also pay the entire bills of the trip.”
While urging youths to emulate Pelumi, the governor urged them not to allow drugs to defeat their future but should rather get up and forge ahead.
Pelumi expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu and urged youths not to allow anyone to discourage them.
The Vice Chancellor University of Lagos, Prof Folasade Ogunsola who also accompanied her to Lagos House, said her journey was an indication of inclusivity.
Pelumi’s father, Prof. Timothy Nubi narrated how they were monitoring her from the beginning of the journey.
“I thank God for this feat. When the journey started, every night, she would send a google map to indicate where she was. We thought getting closer to Nigeria, there would not be problems but she started having issues in Africa. When she got to Sierra Leone, she had a tough time and even had an accident. The effort was to frustrate it in Sierra Leone but due to the intervention of President Tinubu.”
