Speaking of young people who wanna do great things? This is definitely one story that would push you beyond limits. Kilometre 51 is a Non- Governmental Organisation founded with the sole aim of creating a border-less Africa- opening up the borders of Africa to promote businesses, trade and also, tourism.
The founder/ CEO is Mr Gerald Konwea- an entrepreneur and serial business man who is from Delta State, Nigeria. His experiences in businesses, entrepreneurship and life generally triggered the birth of Kilometre 51 so be rest assured that you will be thrilled by his success so far;
Biography;
Gerald Konwea is an astute entrepreneur and business man with years of experience serving the public and private sectors.
From founding an Information Technology company and leading the eCommerce revolution in Nigeria in 2013, Gerald Konwea has fast evolved into a problem solver whilst leading his team to develop ground breaking solutions to everyday life.
His work and touch was prominent when he partnered the Cross River State government in a charge to execute the biggest Trade event on African soil and arguably the world.
He has also developed ideas for economic turn around for a few state governments and has advise the Peoples Democratic Party's heavy weight, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, on sure fire ways to reorganize and get the party into winning ways.
Gerald Konwea has working relationships with Nigeria Reads, an NGO that is committed to educating every Nigerian child through establishing community libraries and organizing local educational events and AFRITAL, a civil society initiative that is committed to raising transparent and accountable and leaders for the advancement and development of the continent.
His years of experience working with African SMEs has helped him to become a go to name for tough fixes in strategy development and is actively planning KM51 - a Pan African youth initiative that is campaigning for a borderless Africa.
University attended and degree obtained;
Lincoln University of Pennsylvania (USA) – MSc. Administration (Major – Finance)
How did you start your Foundation?
I just started. I was born and raised by civil servants who, like every other Nigerian parent, thought the normal order of life is to get born, go to school, get a job and die. That didn’t sit right with me and so I dared to prove everyone wrong. It wasn’t easy but I’ve been going. Many years strong, with tears and determination, we are still going.
Your inspiration and motivation;
I look at the world outside and around Africa on a daily basis, right from when I was a kid, and there’s this rush of awesomeness I feel – the people, culture, the technology, the shared purpose and I’ve always dreamed about the future of Africa that never came. I wondered why we never are intentional as Nigerians. I’ve wondered why we’ve remained in the same spot or even been in regressive motion. These concerns keep me up at night. Sometime, somehow, things have to change. We’ve got to allow our young dream dreams that they can wake up to pursue. Weve got to live a society that our unborn can inherit and be proud of the work we’ve put in. The Nigeria I see today is a couple hundred years far from that reality and because I am a long-term person who respects value and purpose, I know that I have to do my bit. That, keeps me motivated.
Challenges you face;
The challenges young people face on the continent are similar to those that limit women, globally. Challenges that laugh at youths who envision a borderless Africa, challenges that bar them from top jobs, the ones that inhibit them from accessing finance and the ones that make electable positions incognito. These challenges are the focus for Kilometre 51 for instance.
For me personally, Nigeria, on its own, is a big challenge. Every day I wake up in Nigeria, I face a thousand reasons to give up but some of us are arrogantly tenacious and we’ve just found a way to stay going. One of my biggest limitation is access to funding. I have all these great ideas but I gotta work at the pace of delays and people who don’t get the point before I can get most things achieved. Ironically, access to funding has been my biggest blessing. I’ve had to think my way through with all my ideas.
How do you overcome the challenges;
As I stated above, there are 2 challenges I face – Nigeria and funding. With tenacity and creativity, I weave my way through the hurdles.
Words of encouragement to someone out there;
Have a reputable character, discover what you want early and, stay on the course.
