Could you briefly tell us something about yourself?
I am a vibrant young African geographer and environmentalist with a double Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Colorado and Masters from University of Edinburgh. I have embarked on dozens of local and international trips. I have also led hundreds of people on trips across Nigeria and Africa. As a geographer, I am interested in how people influence their environment and vice versa. I run TVP Adventures—an experience design company that brings travel dreams to life.
What is TVP Adventures? What inspired you to go into adventure and international travel businesses?
TVP Adventures brings travel dreams to life through an online platform where young people can book travel experiences without the hassle of planning trips. I wanted to explore more of Nigeria and Africa, and I have realised how little information there was, out there. I also realised that people who wanted to reach their travel goals were hindered by lack of information or unavailability of packages that made travel seamless and affordable. I founded TVP Adventures to meet these needs.
I started the Visa Clinic consultation service because of the demand for it. Each time I share a thread or travel guide on my blog or social media, I would receive an avalanche of questions from people who want more information about how to travel with ease. Some of the most common questions I received involve visa applications to the US, UK and Canada. The service empowers people to create successful applications and achieve their travel goals.
You once said people could visit over thirty countries with their US, UK and Canadian visas. How is this possible?
There is a list of countries who have visa treaties with the US, UK and Canada. These countries (Mexico, Costa Rica, and so on) will typically allow you to visit them with any of the above mentioned visas. This is great because it extends the travel reach of the Nigerian passport.
How many countries of the world have you visited so far? Which one did you enjoy most, and why?
I am not keen on outlining the number of countries I have visited. I am more interested in showing people that whether they travel to one country, hundred countries or within their own country, they can do so with ease and spend less money creating amazing memories and uncovering the majesty of our beautiful world. I have enjoyed every country I have ever visited for specific reasons. However, Rwanda was the most inspiring and Japan was the most intriguing.
You recently said you climbed Mount Cameroon and returned with five things. What are these five things?
I smile when I remember this expedition to the highest mountain in its region. The five lessons I returned with from Mount Cameroon are: one, the most beautiful things are in our own backyard; two, Africa could be a country—I felt so much love and “homeness” in Cameroon; three, the God of the mountains is the God of the oceans—He is a fantastic creator; four, nothing, not even the clouds, is beyond reach—by the second day of the climb, we had the clouds at our feet and it was inspiring; five, I am my own biggest challenge.
You were once featured live in BBC and Arise TV. What are the major highlights of these features?
They were fun interviews. I enjoyed sharing my maps and experiences with the world and creating awareness about the work we are doing to make travel across Africa easy, accessible and affordable.
In the recently concluded 2018 Ake Festival in Lagos, you were among the panel lists of the panel “Travel Writing.” What are the major highlights of the panel discussion?
It was a lovely experience sharing the stage with experienced travel writers. We started by sharing our experiences travelling the continent and exchanging some of the tips we have learned that could help people experience Africa better and at low cost. By the end of the conversation, we answered questions on: What home means to us, African political and cultural borders, and the future of African tourism.
Tell us something about your latest visual documentary and creative map. How have they helped to change African tourism narrative?
I love to tell travel and culture stories in form of maps that people can view and learn from. These maps break down the barrier between traditional geography and the masses. People learn so much from these info graphics and how to explore the continent better.
Comparing Nigeria with other countries you have toured, would you say Nigerian tourism industry is faring well or not?
Thankfully, Nigeria is not where it was five years ago. Unfortunately, we are nowhere near where we want to be. There is a host of countries in Africa that are doing much better than we are in tourism—Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, and so on. However, we must pick lessons from them and forge a unique pathway to ensure that tourism thrives in our own country, under our unique set of circumstances.
What are the major challenges you encounter in your line of work?
The biggest challenges we face in this space are infrastructural ones. Most businesses in Nigeria are plagued by poor infrastructure and policies that do not encourage small businesses to thrive.
How do you manage the demanding international tourism business and the pressing responsibilities of home front?
I find a balance. I am not the only one. Every single day, women are doing it, like bosses. I draw inspiration from those who have built a stable and balanced lifestyle. I am still learning how to divorce myself from my work after a long day. Again, I am learning.
Apart from tourism and travel business, what other things demand your time and energy?
I am a geographer, and consult in the environmental development space. I also enjoy reading, watching documentaries, travelling (of course) and spending time with those I love.
What advice do you have for young people, especially the female ones, who are aspiring to be like you?
I encourage young people to first, determine to be the best versions of themselves. It is wonderful to learn from others and build a support system.
However, you will thrive best when you work towards your own dreams rather than trying to mirror what someone else has done or who someone else is.
and then