The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has commended Netherlands-based Abian, Mr. Azubuike Onwuka, for his courage, determination, and patriotism in completing a remarkable overland journey from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to Ohafia in Abia State.

Receiving Onwuka and his team on behalf of Governor Alex Otti at the Government House in Umuahia, Emetu described the achievement as a reflection of the resilience, adventurous spirit, and enduring connection that Abians in the diaspora maintain with their homeland.

The extraordinary expedition saw Onwuka travel across 13 countries and cover more than 10,000 kilometres before arriving in Ohafia on the 50th day of the journey.

According to the Deputy Governor, the trip represented far more than a road adventure, describing it as a meaningful quest for identity, cultural heritage, and reconnection with ancestral roots.

“Your journey is a powerful reminder that determination, courage and resilience can overcome barriers many consider impossible. You have made Abia proud and inspired young people across Nigeria and beyond,” Emetu said.

He revealed that he first became aware of the journey while Onwuka was still in Lagos and immediately recognised its significance, noting that the feat demonstrated how perseverance and commitment could turn ambitious dreams into reality.

Emetu also expressed appreciation to Onwuka for donating the 1998 Honda CR-V used for the expedition to the Abia State Government.

He described the vehicle as an important historical and cultural asset that would be preserved as part of the state's heritage.

The Deputy Governor disclosed that the government was currently developing the Ojukwu Bunker and other heritage preservation projects, assuring that the vehicle would be carefully maintained as a symbol of endurance, courage, and the enduring bond between Abians in the diaspora and their ancestral home.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hon. Matthew Ekwuribe, described Onwuka as a proud son of Ohafia whose journey was inspired by a desire to reconnect with his roots and personally witness the transformation taking place in Abia State.

Speaking during the reception, Onwuka thanked the government and people of Abia State for the warm reception, describing the event as one of the most memorable experiences of his life.

He explained that being raised in the Netherlands by a Dutch mother and Nigerian father inspired his quest to learn more about his Igbo heritage and ancestral homeland.

“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,” he said.

Onwuka described his arrival in Abia as one of the defining moments of the expedition and commended the developmental efforts of the Alex Otti administration, particularly improvements in infrastructure and the general organisation of the state.

In a symbolic gesture, he formally handed over the Honda CR-V that completed the transcontinental journey, 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, represents Onwuka’s dual heritage and serves as a lasting symbol of the connection between the diaspora and the homeland.

Among the dignitaries present at 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; the Special Assistant to the Governor on Entertainment; and renowned musician Okechukwu Martins, popularly known as J-Martins.