Ogbonnaya Kanu is the author of two books, ‘Road to Europe’ and ‘Road Home from The South.’ He is also the first Nigerian to journey to and fro Lagos to Europe and also Lagos to Southern Africa traveling on a motorcycle. He shares his experiences with
How you go from engineering to biking and then books?
did
Engineering was as a result of what I studied in university, and motorcycling was something I stumbled on. It was totally unplanned. I just happened to develop an interest in it after speaking with one of my clients who was and still is a motorcyclist. He was the one who even taught me how to ride. As for books, those came as a result of my motorcycling adventures. I was encouraged to publish my ride diaries so to speak, and I figured why not... it would help other riders and my stories could also be used as sources of inspiration to encourage people to rise above what they perceive as limits.
How do you marry your passion for engineering, bikes, books and family, do they sometimes clash?
I wouldn’t say they clash. I am so blessed to be able to live out my passion and profession at the same time. My work requires frequent travel, which is just the perfect excuse to ride. Nothing competes with the time I spend with my family, so that’s already taken care of.
Most people relate with you as a biker. How have they received the literary side of you?
My literary side has been received quite well, I believe.
What sparked your interest in books?
I’ve always been the nerdy kind, and books have always been a part of my life. I was library prefect in my secondary school.
What was the motivation to write your book, ‘Breaking the Limits’ and to have it in two parts?
‘FD Breaking Limits’ is about my motorcycling adventures. The first one, ‘Road to Europe,’ was about my ride from Lagos to Europe and back. It marked my first longest solo ride, something I had never done before - I had broken a limit. The second book, ‘Road Home from The South’ chronicles my ride from South Africa to Lagos during the Ebola crisis - that also signified another limit I had broken. More than being just my adventure stories, I also see them as a means to encourage people to rise above whatever challenges they are facing, and to seek being more than just ordinary.
How easy was it putting together the contents of both
books and how long did they take to complete?
I would say it was relatively easy, seeing that I always kept a journal during my rides. So all I had to do was put all my journal entries together with the corresponding pictures. Each book took about six months to complete.
What was the most