VISIT RWANDA: VICTOR OLADOKUN IN RWANDA SIX YEARS LATER

I last visited #Rwanda 6 years ago. I returned to #Kigali late last for the first time since then. I expected to be pleasantly surprised. I was not disappointed.

7 things stood out.

1.I’ve come to believe that an airport is a window into a nation’s soul – exposing it’s values, culture, disciplines, attitudes, and ambitions – for better or worse. Kigali International Airport provides a glimpse of what to expect long before you take a drive into the city.

2.On the tarmac were several brand spanking new Rwanda Air branded Boeing 737s. The aircraft acquisition is consistent with the country’s ambitions to become a leading African hub. It is well on its way.

3.The airport has undergone a few upgrades. But what stood out was the immaculate state of the arrival, immigration and baggage areas. There was none of the annoying “Anything for the boys?” inquiries from immigration, customs, or security officers, as is the case in some African countries. The officers were smartly uniformed and as professional as their positions required anywhere in the world.

4.It is not uncommon to see people walking leisurely across the city late at night. My driver assured me that the city was totally safe. He didn’t need to tell me. It was self-evident.

5.Six years ago, there were very few world-class hotels in Kigali. That has changed also. The city landscape is dotted with hotels to match every budget and need. Today, #Rwanda is one of Africa’s undisputed conference destinations. The jewel in the crown is the #KigaliConventionCentre, a state-of-the-art facility with an adjoining world-class hotel. Simply put, the convention center is an ecosystem with giant-sized ambitions.

6.Rwanda is one of the cleanest countries in the world. Every last Saturday of the month, Rwandans participate in the monthly nationwide clean-up known as #Umuganda – meaning, “Coming together with a common purpose.” The evidence of this stares you in the face everywhere. Cleanliness is embedded in Rwanda’s cultural DNA.

7.More than 60% of Africa’s 1.25 billion people are under the age of 25. Whether or not a nation prioritises its greatest asset will therefore be seen in its policies, projects and ‘pockets.’ Rwanda gets. It has a youth bulge and unemployment challenges, no doubt, but it has several strategies designed to provide opportunities and capacity building skills for young men and women.

The BK Arena, formerly known as the #KigaliArena, is part of a long-term strategic investment in youth through sports. The 10,000-seater facility hosts concerts and African sports tournaments, including basketball, and provides training opportunities for talented young athletes.

Arriving late at night and taking in the sights and sounds, I could not help but wonder what lies in store for this truly beautiful nation a decade from now.

What’s clear is that President @PaulKagame understands that Hope is not a strategy!

Ultimately, the future leaders create is all about the choices they make today.