Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday received United Kingdom-based Nigerian solo driver on a road trip from London to Lagos, Ms. Pelumi Nubi.
The governor rewarded her with a house, car and named her Lagos Tourism Ambassador.
Sanwo-Olu who stated this when Pelumi Nubi, accompanied by her parents, Prof. Timothy and Olubukola; the chief executive officer/chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the vice chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folashade Ogunsola paid the governor a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Marina.
While presenting the keys to the house and a branded LAGRIDE vehicle with customised number plate NUBI 9JA to the 28-year-old adventurer, assured the travel content creator that the state government would write off the entire bill for her solo drive from London to Lagos.
He charged Pelumi Nubi to use her platform to showcase the rich cultural values and aesthetics of Lagos to the world, which are part of her responsibilities as Lagos Tourism Ambassador.
Sanwo-Olu said President Bola Tinubu was aware that Pelumi Nubi is back in the country and willing to meet with her.
He said Lagos’ gesture to Pelumi is not really about the gifts and heroic welcome given to her, but to encourage more women to break barriers and compete favourably with their male counterparts in any sphere of life.
“Your experience and journey, which lasted over 68 days, are indeed very inspirational and you have actually shifted mountains. This is indeed a true African and Lagos spirit that you demonstrated. It is a true Nigerian capability that you have demonstrated, but more importantly, this is a story of Lagos no dey carry last.
“For us in Lagos, we will work with your planners to see how we further celebrate you. And it is not really about you being the one celebrating; it is about the future. It is about the girl-child. It is about the power of possibilities. It is about the power of the mind. You are a complete African story that we can showcase,” Sanwo-Olu said.
In her response, an elated Pelumi Nubi appreciated Sanwo-Olu and the state government for making her Lagos Tourism Ambassador and giving her a car and a house.
She said, “Honestly, it is just an amazing feeling. I wasn’t expecting this; it was just supposed to be a courtesy visit to thank the governor for his kindness so far. So making me a Lagos Tourism Ambassador and giving me a car, ahouse and many more blows my mind. I am so grateful.’’
