At 35, he is a young dynamic and energetically passionate man, not just about his career and life but also the Nigerian nation. He wanted to be the first successful Nigerian to climb African's highest mountain, mountain Kilimanjaro!!! His name is Joshua Awesome. Joshua though started out as motivational writer and peak performance coach today shines at the Nigerian and African stage. After his return from his expedition, Victoria Praise Abraham had a chat with him. Find below the excerpts.
What inspired you to want to climb at all?It’s not what, but who? Sir Edmund Hilary. First man to summit Everest greatly inspired me. Also Ronnie Muhl the first South African to summit Kilimanjaro, who by the way is also my professional colleague both greatly, inspired me to want to summit Kilimanjaro!!!
Did you get any inspiration to climb so as to be the first Nigerian to climb?It does not matter if I am the first Nigerian to climb or not. I actually set three goals for myself for the project. Firstly, I wanted to take the Nigerian flag unto the top of Kilimanjaro, give back to a non-profit organization, the Sanford Health Foundation, a global health initiative with its headquarter in the United States of America. The foundation presently sets up health centers all over the world but the caveat is that someone like me has to raise and create awareness and raise funds for the foundation which the organization would back up with a 400m dollar grant. I wanted to do this for children in need of special care and for Africa and specifically for Nigeria. And finally I wanted to use the whole experience to revamp my career - a new story, a new experience. Kilimanjaro has helped me achieve this newness. Three and a half months to prepare, “content is king”!!! I have gleaned so much and learnt so much within the whole period, not to forget all the new relationships I have had to form along the way. The journey is as important as the destination!!!
Tell us about the Kilimanjaro experienceIt is so far the most unforgettable experience of my life and it completely transformed my life and being. It was 3½ months of grueling training and 7 days experience; every day I spent 6 hours hiking from one level to another. Statistics show that 22,000 try to climb Kili every year and 40% never make it to the top, out of the 60% that make it – 2 out of 4 does not make it down alive.
Can you tell me factors that helped you achieve this uncommon feat?I would say God Almighty would be the number one factor. I needed His help and guidance at every step of the way. I recall at some point during my training when I thought I could not go another mile, but I was reminded that quitters never win and winners never quit and also during my final climb, I fell and I thought my legs were going to give way on me but God who saw me every step of the way finally gave me success. You also need patience, passion, perseverance and principles. Finally People!! I am grateful to a lot of people for making the entire experience memorable and successful, special thanks goes to my guide and so many other people who helped in one way or the other.
You recently got married. Do you think being married helped you succeed at all?Definitely I would say a big Yes! My wife though very conservative is very supportive and was especially so during the whole expedition. I have an extremely loving and supportive family. My entire family both nucleus and extended were rooting for me during the entire expedition.
In one sentence describe Joshua Awesome?In one sentence, Joshua’s life mission is also Joshua’s passion and it defines who Joshua is which is, simply to “inspire and inform individuals so they can get involved in life.” In one word “I am ‘An Inspiration’.
Can you name 5 people that greatly inspire you?In no order of importance they will be: Dr. Myles Munroe; Dr. Mike Murdock; Oprah Winfrey; Prof. Pat Utomi; My Parents
What is your life goal?It is tied around my life mission, which is “to inform and inspire people to get involved in life!!
Mr. Awesome, can you tell me what angers you, or what you hate?Abuse, of every kind; a life without passion; promiscuity and poverty
Tell me what makes you happiest? Or simply put what do you love?Life; Energy and Water
After Kilimanjaro what next?My next expedition would be Elbrus, the highest mountain in Europe. I should hit that target soon. I am also looking forward to raising funds for Sanford Health Foundation. I want them to bring the whole Sanford experience down to Africa.
Would you do it again?Yes in 2012 I intend to go up Kilimanjaro again but this time around I will take inspiring Nigerians who want to climb with me, that should be interesting!!
For the sake of our audience who would like to know where exactly is Kilimanjaro located?Tanzania (East Africa)
Were you able to pick up the local language while in Tanzania?Oh yes, I had to learn phrases like “Ha kuna matata” – which means no worries; “Pole pole”, which means slowly! slowly!, an attribute you need to successfully summit Kili; “Asante sanna” which means thanks a lot and “Jambo”, which means “Welcome”!!!
Did you like their food in Tanzania?I have to say I enjoyed their soups mostly
Last words MR. AWESOME!!!Start something, stay with it until it produces results, and never ever give up!! It’s beautiful at the top.
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