Pelu Awofeso is a Nigerian journalist, travel writer, tour guide, and cultural commentator based in Lagos. He is widely recognised for his contributions to travel writing and for documenting Nigeria’s diverse cultural, historical, and natural landscapes. In 2010, Awofeso won the CNN/Multichoice African Journalists Award in the Tourism category, a prestigious continental award that honours excellence in journalism focused on travel and cultural reporting.
Awofeso’s interest in travel writing began during his National Youth Service in 1998, while stationed in Jos, Plateau State. He was captivated by the city’s landscape and the rich cultural diversity of the region. During this period, he encountered travel writings authored by British explorers and colonial visitors, which inspired him to tell Nigeria’s stories from a local perspective. His approach focuses on providing Nigerian readers with insight into the country’s heritage and encouraging domestic exploration, while offering international audiences authentic narratives of Nigerian life.
By 2017, Awofeso had visited at least 32 of Nigeria’s 36 states, documenting cultural festivals, historical sites, and everyday life. His work is often compared to other notable African travel literature, particularly for its immersive storytelling and focus on places and communities that are frequently overlooked.
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Career Development
Awofeso began his journalism career as a freelance columnist for the Standard Newspaper in Jos, where he produced weekly travel and cultural columns. He later worked with Africa Today as Arts and Travel Correspondent, Network Africa as Editor, and National Daily as Travel Editor. These roles allowed him to share travel stories and cultural narratives in both Nigerian and international outlets.
His writing covers traditional architecture, heritage sites, festivals, and community life, providing a lens into Nigeria’s intangible heritage. Awofeso has also contributed to international travel publications, including Lonely Planet, extending his reach and influence beyond Nigerian audiences.
Books and Editorial Work
Awofeso has published several works that document his journeys and observations across Nigeria. His notable book, Tour of Duty: Journeys Around Nigeria and Sketches of Everyday Life, published in 2010, is based on ten months of travel and interactions with people in diverse Nigerian communities. The book captures stories from small towns to cities, highlighting the experiences of everyday Nigerians and offering readers a textured portrayal of the country’s social and cultural landscapes.
He is also the editor of Route 234, an anthology that compiles travel narratives from Nigerian journalists, showcasing a wide array of experiences and perspectives from across the country.
In addition to his books, Awofeso is the publisher of Waka About, an online travel magazine that highlights Nigerian tourism and culture. Waka About features indigenous festivals, tourist attractions, and interviews with local travellers, serving as a platform for promoting domestic tourism and amplifying Nigerian voices.
Awards and Recognition
In 2010, Pelu Awofeso received the CNN/Multichoice African Journalists Award in the Tourism category for a collection of travel stories published during his tenure with 234Next. The award recognised his ability to combine lyrical prose with deep cultural insight, bringing readers into the heart of Nigerian cities, towns, and landscapes.
Beyond this continental recognition, he has been named Best Travel Journalist in Nigeria, affirming his influence in domestic travel and tourism circles. His work has also contributed to the growing recognition of travel writing as an important medium for cultural and historical documentation in Nigeria.
Cultural and Social Impact
Awofeso’s travel writing has reshaped the narrative of domestic tourism and cultural appreciation in Nigeria. His stories encourage Nigerians to explore their own country and recognise the diversity of traditions, landscapes, and communities. Through his work, he has brought attention to cultural heritage, environmental issues, and the importance of preserving indigenous practices.
He co-founded Beach Samaritans, an initiative dedicated to cleaning beaches in Lagos and promoting environmental awareness. The initiative reflects his commitment to sustainable tourism and community engagement, demonstrating that travel writing and cultural advocacy can have practical social impact.
Through Waka About, his books, and public speaking engagements, Awofeso has amplified the voices of local communities and highlighted the value of preserving Nigeria’s cultural and natural heritage.
Legacy and Contemporary Relevance
Pelu Awofeso continues to contribute actively as a travel writer, editor, and tour guide. His work has inspired other Nigerian writers and journalists to document local stories and explore cultural heritage through travel. By foregrounding authentic Nigerian experiences, he has helped establish travel writing as a respected journalistic and literary genre in Nigeria.
His books and editorial projects serve as reference points for students, journalists, travellers, and cultural enthusiasts seeking to understand Nigeria’s multifaceted cultural landscape. Awofeso’s work ensures that both Nigerians and international audiences gain access to accurate and engaging portrayals of the country, promoting domestic tourism and cultural pride.
Pelu Awofeso stands as a significant figure in Nigerian cultural journalism and travel writing. His award-winning work documents the diversity of Nigeria’s people, places, and traditions, highlighting the richness of the country’s cultural and natural heritage. Through his books, online publications, and tours, Awofeso has encouraged a deeper understanding of Nigeria, fostering appreciation, curiosity, and pride among readers and travellers alike.
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Author’s Note
Pelu Awofeso’s journey demonstrates the transformative power of travel writing in preserving cultural heritage and shaping national identity. His work offers authentic narratives that bridge local experiences with global audiences, inspiring Nigerians to explore their country, value its heritage, and share its stories. This article captures the essence of what readers need to understand about Awofeso’s contribution, highlighting his impact on cultural awareness, tourism, and journalism in Nigeria.
References
- Tour of Duty: Journeys Around Nigeria, Waka About blog
- Waka About Goes Online, The Nation
- Glocal Citizens Podcast: Pelu Awofeso Interview
