The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has commended a Netherlands-based son of Abia, Mr. Azubuike Onwuka, for his extraordinary determination, courage and patriotism in undertaking a historic overland journey from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to Ohafia in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, describing the feat as an inspiring testament to the resilience and adventurous spirit of the Abia people.
Receiving Mr. Onwuka and members of his team on behalf of the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, at Government House, Umuahia, the Deputy Governor expressed delight at the successful completion of the remarkable journey, which saw the young Abian travel through 13 countries and cover more than 10,000 kilometres before arriving in his ancestral homeland on the 50th day of the expedition.
Engr. Emetu noted that the visit represented more than a physical journey across continents, stating that it symbolized a profound quest for identity, heritage and cultural reconnection. He applauded Mr. Onwuka's decision to trace his roots and experience firsthand the realities, cultures and diverse landscapes of Africa despite the numerous challenges encountered along the way.
"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," the Deputy Governor stated.
The Deputy Governor disclosed that he first received information about Mr. Onwuka's journey while he was still in Lagos and immediately recognized the significance of the undertaking. He praised the young adventurer for representing the aspirations of Nigerian youths and for demonstrating that seemingly impossible dreams can be achieved through determination, courage and perseverance.
According to him, the story of Mr. Onwuka's journey serves as a source of inspiration to young people across Nigeria and beyond, encouraging them to pursue their goals irrespective of obstacles and limitations.
Engr. Emetu further expressed appreciation for the donation of the 1998 Honda CR-V used for the expedition to the Abia State Government, describing the vehicle as a valuable historical and cultural asset. He revealed that the State Government is currently developing the Ojukwu Bunker and other heritage preservation projects and assured that the vehicle would be appropriately preserved as a symbol of endurance, courage and the enduring bond between Abians in the diaspora 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," Engr. Emetu said.
He noted that the vehicle would not only serve as an inspiration to future generations but could also become a significant attraction capable of boosting tourism and enhancing the state's cultural heritage offerings.
Earlier in his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, who presented Mr. Onwuka to the Deputy Governor, described him as a proud son of Ohafia who embarked on the remarkable journey from Europe to reconnect with his ancestral roots and witness firsthand the ongoing transformation taking place in Abia State under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
The Commissioner stated that the young Abian's decision to undertake the arduous road trip was motivated by his desire to rediscover his heritage and personally experience the developmental strides being recorded in the state.
Speaking during the reception, Mr. Azubuike Onwuka expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of Abia State for the warm reception accorded him, describing the occasion as one of the most memorable moments of his life.
He recounted that the expedition, which traversed 13 countries and covered over 10,000 kilometres, exposed him to diverse cultures, people and experiences. According to him, while the journey featured many memorable moments, it also came with significant challenges, including a brief detention in Senegal.
Explaining the motivation behind the historic adventure, Mr. Onwuka said, "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."
Mr. Onwuka explained that his primary motivation for the expedition was to reconnect with his roots and gain a deeper understanding of his ancestral homeland. He noted that growing up in the Netherlands with a Dutch mother and Nigerian father left him with an enduring desire to learn more about his Igbo heritage and to experience firsthand the environment, culture and people from whom he traces his lineage.
The adventurer further stated that arriving in Abia State was one of the highlights of the entire journey, noting that the quality of infrastructure and level of organization he observed upon entering the state distinguished it from many places he encountered during his travels across the continent.
He expressed pride in being identified as a son of Abia and commended the ongoing developmental initiatives of the administration of Governor Alex Otti, which he said have significantly transformed the state.
In a symbolic gesture, Mr. Onwuka formally donated his 1998 Honda CR-V to the Abia State Government, expressing hope that it would be preserved in a museum or cultural facility as a source of inspiration for future generations and as a reminder that determination and purpose can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
The donated 1998 Honda CR-V, which successfully completed the transcontinental expedition from Amsterdam to Ohafia, bears both Dutch and Nigerian registration plates, symbolizing Mr. Onwuka's dual heritage and the bridge between his European upbringing and his African roots. The vehicle stands as a powerful representation of the enduring connection between the diaspora and the homeland, reflecting a remarkable journey that linked two continents, diverse cultures and one shared identity.
The Honourable Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Dr. Mrs. Salome Obiukwu, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Barr. Chibuzo Ehiemere, Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment, and Mr. Okechukwu Martins (J-Martins), were among top government officials who accompanied the delegation during the visit.
Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
June 23, 2026.
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