An entrepreneur and actress, Florence Okonkwo, has revealed the inspiration behind launching her online bookstore— Florence1Billion— and her involvement in an educational project.
Speaking in an interview with Society Plus, she said, “The educational project was inspired by my desire to bridge the gap in access to quality educational resources across Africa. Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed first-hand the challenges students face in accessing engaging, comprehensive, and up-to-date learning materials. As a lifelong learner and advocate for education, I decided to contribute my little quota by producing curriculum-focused textbooks that also reflect modern realities. The goal is to introduce these books to as many secondary schools as possible.
“Entering into the online book publishing space to compete with the mega brands allows us to ensure affordability, accessibility and inclusivity, addressing barriers that have historically hindered progress in education. Buying and printing books on some established platforms is usually very expensive and takes a longer time to ship.”
On what makes the book store unique, she said, “It leverages seamless e-commerce technology with a mission-driven approach to education. Unlike traditional bookstores, our platform prioritises the needs of learners and educators by offering a wide range of books that are affordable, culturally relevant, and accessible on demand.
“The store’s curated collection focuses on subjects critical to academic and personal growth, ensuring that students and professionals alike find resources to excel. Moreover, its integration with the ElegantFlix Educational Project ensures a synergy between innovation and impact, creating a comprehensive platform for learning.”