Abia Deputy Governor Receives Netherlands-Based Abian Who Drove 10,000km Across 13 Countries, Donates Expedition Vehicle to State
The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has applauded Netherlands-based Abian, Mr. Azubuike Onwuka, for embarking on an extraordinary transcontinental road trip from Amsterdam to Ohafia in a remarkable effort to reconnect with his ancestral roots.
Speaking during a reception held at the Government House in Umuahia on behalf of Governor Alex Otti, the Deputy Governor described Onwuka’s historic expedition as a powerful symbol of resilience, patriotism and the adventurous spirit that defines the people of Abia State.
Mr. Onwuka successfully travelled more than 10,000 kilometres across 13 countries before arriving in Ohafia Local Government Area on the 50th day of his journey, an achievement that has attracted widespread admiration.
Engr. Emetu said the expedition represented much more than a physical journey across continents, noting that it embodied a deeper search for identity, heritage and cultural reconnection.
He commended Onwuka for choosing to trace his ancestral roots and immerse himself in the diverse cultures, landscapes and realities of Africa despite the numerous challenges he encountered during the expedition.
According to the Deputy Governor, the feat sends a strong message to young Nigerians that determination and perseverance can help them overcome obstacles that may initially appear impossible.
He revealed that he first learned about the journey while Onwuka was still in Lagos and immediately recognised its significance, describing the young adventurer as a worthy ambassador of Nigerian youths and an inspiration to people across the country and beyond.
“Your journey is a powerful reminder that determination, courage and resilience can overcome barriers that many consider impossible. You have made Abia proud and have become a source of inspiration to young people across Nigeria and beyond,” Emetu stated.
The Deputy Governor also expressed appreciation for Onwuka’s decision to donate the 1998 Honda CR-V used throughout the expedition to the Abia State Government.
He described the vehicle as an important historical and cultural asset, adding that it would be preserved as part of the state’s heritage preservation initiatives, including ongoing efforts surrounding the Ojukwu Bunker project.
According to him, the vehicle symbolizes endurance, heritage and the enduring bond between Abians living abroad and their homeland.
“This vehicle is more than a means of transportation; it is a symbol of endurance, heritage and the unbreakable connection between our people in the diaspora and their homeland. We shall preserve it as part of our history and a source of inspiration for future generations,” he said.
Engr. Emetu further noted that preserving the vehicle could help boost tourism and strengthen Abia’s cultural heritage offerings.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, formally introduced Onwuka to the Deputy Governor.
He described him as a proud son of Ohafia who undertook the demanding journey to reconnect with his ancestral heritage and personally witness the developmental strides recorded under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
According to Ekwuribe, the road trip was inspired by Onwuka’s desire to rediscover his roots and experience firsthand the ongoing transformation taking place across Abia State.
Speaking during the reception, Onwuka expressed gratitude to the government and people of Abia for the warm reception, describing the occasion as one of the most memorable moments of his life.
He recounted that the expedition exposed him to different cultures, people and experiences across multiple countries, although it also came with significant challenges, including a brief detention in Senegal.
Explaining his motivation, Onwuka said his mixed heritage played a significant role in inspiring the journey.
Growing up in the Netherlands with a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, he developed a strong desire to learn more about his Igbo ancestry and experience the environment, culture and traditions that shaped his family’s history.
“I wanted to understand more about where my ancestors came from. Seeing pictures or reading articles is not the same as standing on the soil, hearing the language and experiencing the culture firsthand. This journey has helped me understand more about who I am and where I come from,” he said.
Onwuka also described arriving in Abia State as one of the highlights of the entire expedition.
He praised the quality of infrastructure and level of organisation he observed upon entering the state, noting that Abia stood out among several places he visited during his travels across the African continent.
He expressed pride in his Abia identity and commended Governor Alex Otti’s administration for its developmental initiatives, which he said have significantly transformed the state.
In a symbolic gesture, Onwuka officially handed over the 1998 Honda CR-V to the Abia State Government, expressing hope that it would be preserved in a museum or cultural centre to inspire future generations.
The vehicle, which bears both Dutch and Nigerian registration plates, serves as a powerful representation of his dual heritage and the enduring connection between the African diaspora and their homeland.
The Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Mrs. Salome Obiukwu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Barr. Chibuzo Ehiemere, Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment, Mr. Okechukwu Martins (J-Martins), and other government officials were also present during the reception.
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The historic expedition has been widely regarded as a celebration of identity, cultural pride and the unbreakable bond between Nigerians in the diaspora and their ancestral homeland.
