The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, has commended a Netherlands-based Abian, Mr. Azubuike Onwuka, for undertaking a historic overland journey from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Ohafia in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, describing the feat as a remarkable demonstration of courage, resilience and patriotism.

Emetu gave the commendation while receiving Onwuka and members of his team on behalf of Governor Alex Otti at the Government House, Umuahia.

The Deputy Governor expressed delight over the successful completion of the expedition, 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 journey.

According to him, the expedition transcended a physical journey across continents and represented a deeper quest for identity, heritage and cultural reconnection.

He praised Onwuka for tracing his roots and embracing the opportunity to experience Africa’s diverse cultures, landscapes and realities despite the 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,” Emetu stated.

The Deputy Governor disclosed that he first learned about the expedition while Onwuka was still in Lagos and immediately recognised its significance.

He said the young adventurer had become a symbol of hope and inspiration for Nigerian youths by demonstrating that seemingly impossible dreams can be achieved through determination, courage and perseverance.

Emetu further applauded Onwuka for donating 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 preserved as a symbol of endurance, courage and the enduring connection 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,” he said.

The Deputy Governor added that beyond its historical significance, the vehicle could become a major tourism attraction and contribute to the promotion of Abia’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 mission was driven by a desire to reconnect with his roots and witness firsthand the transformation taking place in Abia under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.

Ekwuribe noted that the arduous road trip was inspired by Onwuka’s determination to rediscover his heritage and gain a deeper understanding of his ancestral homeland.

Speaking during the reception, Onwuka expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Abia State for the warm reception accorded him, describing it 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 across Europe and Africa.

While describing the journey as fulfilling, Onwuka revealed that it was not without challenges, including a brief detention in Senegal.

Explaining the motivation behind the adventure, he said his desire was to gain a deeper understanding of his ancestry and cultural identity.

“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,” Onwuka said.

He explained that growing up in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father created a strong desire to reconnect with his Igbo heritage and experience firsthand the environment, culture and people from whom he traces his lineage.

Onwuka described arriving in Abia as one of the highlights of the entire expedition, noting that the quality of infrastructure and level of organisation he observed upon entering the state stood out from many places he visited during his travels.

He expressed pride in his Abia roots and commended Governor Otti’s administration for what he described as visible developmental strides across the state.

In a symbolic gesture, Onwuka formally handed over the keys of the 1998 Honda CR-V to the Abia State Government and expressed hope that the vehicle would be preserved in a museum or cultural facility as an inspiration to future generations.

The vehicle, which successfully completed the transcontinental expedition from Amsterdam to Ohafia, bears both Dutch and Nigerian registration plates, symbolising Onwuka’s dual heritage and serving as a powerful representation of the enduring bond between the diaspora and their homeland.

Among top government officials present during the visit 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, popularly known as J-Martins.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State

June 23, 2026.