ABIA HONOURS DIASPORA ADVENTURER WHO DROVE FROM EUROPE TO OHAFIA, DONATES EXPEDITION VEHICLE TO STATE.
The Abia State Government has commended Netherlands-based Abian, Mr. Azubuike Onwuka, for completing an extraordinary transcontinental road journey from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Ohafia in Abia State, describing the feat as a remarkable demonstration of courage, resilience and commitment to reconnecting with his ancestral roots.
Mr. Onwuka, who travelled through 13 countries and covered more than 10,000 kilometres over a period of 50 days, was received at the Government House, Umuahia, by the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, on behalf of Governor Alex Otti.
Speaking during the reception, Engr. Emetu hailed the young adventurer for undertaking what he described as a historic and inspiring expedition that reflects the determination and adventurous spirit of the Abia people.
According to the Deputy Governor, Onwuka’s journey transcended geographical boundaries and represented a deeper quest for identity, heritage and cultural reconnection.
He noted that despite the numerous challenges encountered during the trip, the Netherlands-based Abian remained focused on his goal of tracing his roots and experiencing Africa firsthand.
“Your journey is a powerful reminder that determination, courage and resilience can overcome barriers many people consider impossible. You have made Abia proud and become a source of inspiration to young people across Nigeria and beyond,” Emetu said.
The Deputy Governor disclosed that he first learned about the journey while Onwuka was still in Lagos and immediately recognized its significance. He described the feat as a testament to the power of perseverance and a practical example to young Nigerians that ambitious dreams can be achieved through commitment and hard work.
Emetu also lauded Onwuka for donating the 1998 Honda CR-V used for the expedition to the Abia State Government.
Describing the vehicle as a historical and cultural asset, he revealed that the government would preserve it as part of the state’s growing heritage collection.
He explained that the administration is currently developing heritage preservation projects, including the Ojukwu Bunker, and assured that the donated vehicle would be properly maintained as a symbol of endurance, cultural identity and the enduring bond between Abians in the diaspora and their homeland.
“This vehicle is more than a means of transportation. It represents resilience, heritage and the unbreakable connection between our people abroad and their roots. It will be preserved as part of our history and serve as an inspiration to future generations,” he stated.
The Deputy Governor added that the vehicle could also become a tourism attraction and contribute to the promotion of the state’s cultural heritage.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, who presented Onwuka to the Deputy Governor, described him as a proud son of Ohafia whose remarkable road trip was motivated by a desire to reconnect with his heritage and witness firsthand the transformation taking place in Abia State.
Ekwuribe said the journey underscored the importance of cultural identity and reflected the strong connection many members of the diaspora maintain with their ancestral homeland.
Speaking during the reception, Onwuka expressed appreciation to the government and people of Abia State for the warm welcome accorded him.
He described the visit as one of the most memorable moments of his life and recounted the experiences gained during the expedition, which exposed him to different cultures, languages and lifestyles across Africa and Europe.
According to him, the trip was not without challenges, including a brief detention in Senegal, but he remained committed to completing the mission.
“I wanted to understand where my ancestors came from. Reading about a place is different from standing on the soil, hearing the language and experiencing the culture firsthand. This journey has helped me better understand who I am and where I come from,” he said.
Onwuka explained that growing up in the Netherlands with a Dutch mother and Nigerian father fueled his desire to learn more about his Igbo heritage and connect directly with the people, culture and environment of his ancestral homeland.
He described arriving in Abia State as one of the highlights of the entire expedition, noting that the level of infrastructure and organisation he observed distinguished the state from many places he visited during the journey.
The adventurer commended the developmental strides of Governor Alex Otti’s administration and expressed pride in being identified as a son of Abia.
In a symbolic gesture, Onwuka formally handed over the keys of the expedition vehicle to the state government and expressed hope that it would be displayed in a museum or cultural facility as a source of inspiration for future generations.
The 1998 Honda CR-V, which successfully completed the journey from Amsterdam to Ohafia, bears both Dutch and Nigerian registration plates, symbolising Onwuka’s dual heritage and serving as a bridge between his European upbringing and African roots.
The vehicle now stands as a lasting symbol of a journey that connected two continents, multiple cultures and one enduring identity.
Among government officials present during the reception were the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Mrs. Salome Obiukwu; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Barr. Chibuzo Ehiemere; and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment, Mr. Okechukwu Martins (J-Martins).
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