Pelumi Nubi's 'Lumi Drives From London to Lagos' has been nominated at the Akada Children's Book Festival, marking a significant milestone for the children's storytelling brand Lumi. The recognition comes during Children's Day celebrations and highlights the growing impact of Nubi's mission to reshape storytelling for children through courage, adventure, and representation.
From Solo Drive to Storybook
The story of Lumi began in 2024 when Pelumi Nubi became the first woman to complete a solo drive from London to Lagos, covering over 10,000 kilometers across 17 countries in 74 days in a small purple car. That car, now housed at the John Randle Museum in Lagos, inspired the character Lumi, a brave little figure that captures children's imaginations worldwide.
However, Lumi was never meant to be just a book. "Children are told constantly that they're too small, too young, not ready yet," said Nubi. "Lumi answers that. When children hold that story, what they're really holding is possibility. They're asking themselves: what could I do if I were brave enough to begin?"
Expanding into an Educational Ecosystem
What started as a single picture book has rapidly evolved into a wider educational and storytelling ecosystem. The Lumi brand now includes the Lumi Courage Box, featuring a plush toy, stickers, bookmarks, and activities designed to encourage confidence and curiosity. Through the Lumi Courage & Exploration Programme, the initiative has already reached more than 10,000 children across schools in the United States through interactive storytelling sessions, cultural experiences, and lessons on resilience and exploration.
Organizers say this is only the beginning. Long-term plans for Lumi include animated content, live storytelling experiences, educational resources, and global programmes centered around African stories and diverse experiences that allow children to see themselves represented in the worlds they imagine.
A Mission of Possibility
Pelumi Nubi, who has traveled to over 90 countries across six continents, believes stories can do more than entertain. "They can expand what children believe is possible." As Lumi continues its journey from a small purple car to a growing children's franchise, its mission remains simple: Small car. Big adventure. Bigger dreams.
