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Breaking Barriers: Pelumi Nubi’s Journey from London to Lagos

Pelumi Nubi’s remarkable journey began across the vast plains of Ghana, winding through the vibrant voodoo fetish markets of Togo and Benin, eventually leading her to Nigeria. Upon her arrival, she experienced an astonishing welcome typically reserved for state dignitaries. An escort of ten cars, accompanied by government officials, greeted her, establishing a distinct ambiance. “They cleared the entire route as I proceeded to the University of Lagos. It was incredible to see people flying in for this occasion. I was overwhelmed with emotion when I first laid eyes on my father; the reality of surviving a serious accident prior to this made that moment poignant. Young girls surrounded me, and while it was chaotic, I wanted them to witness that a Black woman traveling alone could achieve this, sending a powerful message that anything is possible,” she recounted.

Nubi cherishes this achievement not only for herself but also as a beacon of possibility for others. “I think it’s essential for people to see someone else doing these things. For a long time, we’ve been conditioned to believe we couldn’t,” she remarked.

Following her travels, which garnered attention in numerous countries, Nubi has been appointed as an ambassador for tourism in Lagos. She reflects on her experience with a sense of pride and humor, stating, “I always knew I was determined, but now it’s clear just how resilient I truly am. On this kind of expedition, most individuals have a support team—a medic or logistics expert—whereas I had to juggle multiple roles and acquire various skills.” This multifaceted approach to her journey has provided her with invaluable insights.

Beyond her travels, Nubi has established Oremi Travels, an experiential travel company designed to create meaningful travel experiences. Though she faced personal challenges during the pandemic, including a period of deep depression, she emerged from these hardships with renewed clarity. “I had mistakenly tied my identity to my PhD studies. However, I now view that turbulent period as a blessing in disguise. It feels as if I received a divine signal saying, ‘This is your chance to explore other paths.’ I have come to realize that while travel is a part of me, it does not define my entire existence,” she explained.

Nubi is aware of the challenges faced by many Black women in pursuing their travel dreams. She believes that hesitation often stems from a lack of representation and encouragement. “I feel that many women seek validation to step out and explore. For generations, we’ve been subtly told that we couldn’t travel freely, which holds many back,” she noted.

While recognizing the advantages of her British passport and absence of parental obligations, Nubi encourages others to start their travel journeys incrementally. “Begin with small adventures—explore a nearby city or country. Gradually, you will build confidence and the capability to undertake larger journeys,” she advises.

This narrative has been adapted from a story originally featured on Condé Nast Traveller.

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