Solo Pioneer: Pelumi Nubi’s Unforgettable Journey from London to Lagos
Breaking Barriers: Miki’s Solo Journey From London to Lagos
In a remarkable feat of courage and resilience, Miki recently completed an adventurous solo overland expedition from London to Lagos, marking her place in history as the first Black woman to achieve this journey unaccompanied. The odyssey not only tested her physical and psychological endurance but also challenged societal expectations of women, particularly Black women, in travel.
An Unconventional Route and Its Challenges
Miki’s journey, which started in the bustling streets of London, spanned 74 days and traversed 16 countries. Her route took her through familiar territories such as France and Spain before veering towards the less-traveled terrains of West Africa. Initially, Miki planned to navigate through Mali and Burkina Faso but adjusted her itinerary due to regional political instability. Instead, she navigated through the lesser-known corridors of Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
“I was connecting two places I considered home,” Miki explained, reflecting on her journey from her birthplace in Lagos to her upbringing in the UK. While her initial life path pointed towards academia, a pivot during the pandemic led her to follow her passion for exploration. The former PhD student, who once delved deeply into genetic research, found her heart steering toward the open roads of Africa, redefining her identity and purpose.
Encounter with Societal Perceptions
Throughout her journey, Miki faced societal perceptions, especially surrounding gender roles. In Guinea, she was questioned about the absence of a male driver, which highlighted ingrained assumptions about women’s limitations in undertaking such travels.
“People often reacted with disbelief, unable to understand why a woman, particularly a Black woman, would travel alone by choice,” Miki shared.
Despite these challenges, she forged ahead, empowered by her belief in breaking stereotypes and inspiring others.
Overcoming Hazards On the Road
Miki’s journey was not free from peril. In the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, a chilling encounter with a hotel staff reminded her of the vulnerabilities women often face while traveling alone. Despite the discomfort, she stood her ground, exemplifying resilience and dignity.
From the tranquility of the Atlas Mountains, described by Miki as otherworldly, to the desert roads of the Sahara, her travels offered breathtaking visuals and solitude that only enhanced her resolve.
One of the notable highlights was her ride on the “snake of the desert” – a three-kilometer-long iron ore cargo train that took her to Nouadhibou. Embracing the starkness of the desert night, she enjoyed a cold but star-filled sleep atop coal heaps.
A Brush with Danger and An Unwavering Spirit
In Côte d’Ivoire, her journey was almost halted by a vehicle accident that left Miki with minor injuries and her vehicle damaged. With sheer determination to reach her destination, she continued her journey, proving that her spirit was as unyielding as her resolve.
Miki journeyed to Yamoussoukro, marvelling at the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, a grand architectural statement amidst the relatively small cityscape. For Miki, it was a testament to human ambition and vision.
An Emotional Welcome in Lagos
As she crossed into Nigeria, the warmth of her welcome was overwhelming. Miki was greeted with celebrations, akin to those reserved for dignitaries. “Seeing my father and feeling the support of young Black girls made every mile worth it,” she confessed, as tears of joy marked her arrival.
Miki was showered with accolades, including her appointment as a tourism ambassador for Lagos. Her journey not only broke physical barriers but also paved the way for conversations about race, gender, and resilience in the realm of travel.
Beyond the Travel: A New Chapter
Post-journey, Miki founded Oremi Travels, channeling her experience into empowering others to explore. She was keen to offer a perspective that travel is accessible, not bound by traditional constraints.
Reflecting deeply on her epic journey, Miki acknowledged the unique privileges that facilitated her expedition, such as her British passport and absence of parental responsibilities. Yet, she ardently believes in encouraging women to start with small adventures that eventually build confidence.
“In a world that often dictates our limits, I hope to be the beacon for young women to see that the world is theirs to explore,” Miki concluded, her journey not just a personal milestone but a significant narrative shift in how travel stories are told and shared.