The founder, Fight Against Desert Encroachment, (FADE), Dr. Newton Jibunoh, has said that his many years of research was responsible for the adoption of the Suzuki brand for his expedition across the desert from Nigeria to London.

Dr. Jibunoh who spoke to journalists shortly after receiving a brand new Suzuki Grand Vitara for his Nelson Mandela United Nations project at Orchid hotel in Lekki said that his many years research on automobile has proved the Suzuki brand as very reliable, dependable, rugged and comfortable.

“Ruggedness and comfort are unique features of the Suzuki brand. All other sport utility vehicle are equally good but they hardly combine these features like in the Suzuki brand.

“During my expedition, I needed a vehicle that I could rely on in the desert and the Suzuki side kick was the vehicle that gave me what I wanted and that is why I have stuck to the brand 40 years after my first expedition, he said.

Going down the memory lane, Dr. Jibunoh said: “During my first expedition from Lagos to London, I used a Volkswagen car. As an adventurer, I knew I was not as comfortable. So on my subsequent expeditions, I carried out a lot of research on cars that could stand up to the harsh condition. It was through my study that I knew Suzuki was the car. I went to Atlanta, United States in 1998 and bought a Suzuki sidekick which I used for the expediton.

My third expedition from Lagos to London however was with all Suzuki models – three in number and they never disappointed.” It was when I returned from my third expectation that Suzuki Nigeria approached me and that was how our relationship started.”

Dr. Jibunoh pointed out that all members of his family has due to the reliability of the Suzuki brand adopted it as their family car.

“As I speak to you, four Suzuki models are in my garage for members of my family,” he said.

On his new project, the United Nations project for Mandela, a project to immortalise the former South African President, Dr. Jibunoh said he new Grand Vitara donated by C & I Motors, distributors of Suzuki brand in Nigeria will be used as a part of the project vehicle.

The first phase of the park which is being built at the Asaba Airport in Delta State is due for completion in August. He commended the Delta State Government for the donation of the land for the project and vowed to continue with his fight against desert encroachment. The 75-year-old environmentalist said “I am still a desert Warrior. It is something that has given me joy, it has to do with the important part of my life. I will do it till the end of my life and it is my contribution to save the world.