Brief us about the inception of your career? What were your ambitions as a teenager?
As a teenager, I wanted to be many things. Pilot was first on my list, then every child’s dream; a doctor, but a lawyer? No, I haven’t had a thing for law, although I love literature, and a flair to speak. But when I got to Basic 6, my school invited a career counselor to put us through the various career paths available to us, then I decided to be a Biochemist because I loved the idea of wearing a laboratory coat. Long story short, I was able to look inward as I grow older at the values I hold, and the passions I have, together with the experiences I have had as a student. Reading further about Nigerian basic and higher education was what solidified my decision to be a teacher. It was a bitter pill to swallow for my family because expectations were high, but yes, this is whom I have decided to be. I am glad they allowed and supported me, now I am a Teacher that makes all the difference.
What are the aims and ideals that guide you as you run your company?
There are lots of ethical ideals that guide me as a person, as well as a Team leader. But generally, I am a big fan of people owning to their creativity, I believe that if people are engaged on a basic human level, in a safe space, and in an environment where mistakes are an avenue to get better, they would not only love what they do, they will do their tasks well and with a touch grace and confidence.
As an innovative leader, how do you manage to inspire your team to innovate and think outside the box?
A leader in my exemplary understanding is a person who serves right in front of a goal, mission, or vision, a concept known as servant leadership; I simply go first. As an innovative team in the space of systems and design thinking for contextual problem solving and systems change, we embrace that there are no absolutes to creativity, everyone has a brilliant part to play, therefore, everyone is allowed to express themselves, and be a part of the jig saw puzzle. The contributions of each member make a whole, from different perspectives. Embracing this simple approach has practically helped us a lot at GIDDY2SCHOOL NIGERIA to develop, ideate, and execute a lot of projects for national development.
What were the challenges and obstacles you faced along the way?
Because of the turf of social entrepreneurship, we found ourselves, we leverage a lot on volunteering. Volunteering as we know impedes a lot of workflow prioritization because we cannot be entitled to people’s time. Also, another major challenge is time synchronization, I can mention specifically Katherine, one of our ambassadors at GIDDY2SCHOOL NIGERIA from Australia, she always hop in our meeting at midnight hours, let’s say 1 am, or 2 am because she’s 10 hours ahead, I feel amazed most times meeting her in the meeting sometimes before everyone else. This tells vividly the caliber of people that share our vision in the organization, and how passionate we all take this business.
What sets your company apart from the rest of the market? Do you believe in diversifying?
GIDDY2SCHOOL NIGERIA is a nonprofit organization that provides access for kids, teenagers in low-income communities towards achieving quality, and equitable education, and also extended to adults in their respective professions. Recently, we completed the Giddy Mentorship Forum for cohort 1 for 20 high-impact professionals in their fields a few weeks ago, the mentorship program was designed to develop the human resources of our nation by exposing young leaders to soft and hard skills needed in the 21st century. This value proposition makes us one in town, there isn’t anyone else in this business of high impact.
Talking about diversity, this session would not be complete without making mention of the 9 GIDDY2SCHOOL Ambassadors from all over 4 continents of the world contributing to the successes we have recorded so far; Connor Woodall from the United States, Dhruti Dhedha from South Africa, Akinbobola Busola, Bakare Oluwatosin, Opeoluwa Makinde, Steven Loya, and myself; from Nigeria, Katherine Feng from Australia, and Hafiza Samath from Malaysia. When we talk about unity in diversity, this is it. I am so proud to be working with these amazing people.
Kindly mention some of the notable recognitions and accreditations received by your person and organization.
I have received various awards, here are a few; as a Teach for Nigeria fellow- for outstanding community impact. As an Education Officer, I have received two times commendation recognition awards for stellar performances in the Lagos state education commission. Furthermore, I was selected to be on the International Teachers and Educators Program organized by PILECKI Institute in Poland, the international conference was around five cities in Poland unravelling the history of totalitarianism. I recently received the Global Education Influencer Award from Education Influence in Australia. And I most recently have been named a Global School Program’s Advocate of the month for outstanding performance throughout the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN). Giddy2School however, has received some recognition in terms of grants, and recently finalized some partnership announcements with some organizations with similar outlooks, because we believe that together is better than alone.
Where do you see your organization in the years to come? How do plan to respond to the lows that followed the pandemic?
Our traction of community engagements this year is commendable, despite little or no funds, we were able to reach over 1200 children in low-income communities with our programs, in the coming years, as an organization, we have the goal to reach thousands of children, and established more sustainable partnerships to help us do more good. In terms of operations, we want to attract more professionals to offer quality engagements to more Nigerian students under our initiative. In summary, we wish to hit a 100% literacy rate in Nigeria.
What is your advice to budding entrepreneurs who wish to kick-start their careers?
Entrepreneurship is a risk, by now I know you know. But above this, as an entrepreneur, I will remind you every day that our world needs you because you are solving a pressing challenge with your idea, be it for-profit or nonprofit. My advice for you is to not give up what is achievable for fear of failure or probability of success. On this journey, you always learn, not necessarily fail.
