ABOUT YOU AS A FUTURES THINKER / PRACTITIONER

You identify yourself as an African futures thinker or practitioner. How would you describe to the woman or man on the street what it is that you do in this regard?

We need to learn from the lessons of the past, the successes that got us this far and how we can merge these to build a better future for ourselves and generations to come.

How many years have you worked as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

For about a year and a half.

In which countries or places have you had working experience as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

Nigeria, Uruguay, Kenya and Ghana

In what languages have you undertaken futures / foresight related work or research?

English

What is it that motivates you to work or participate in the foresight / future studies / related field

I want to be a role model for my peers. I have a strong vision to help secure Africa and Nigeria through the engagement of as many young people as possible in agriculture and its related endeavours thus making our continent food secure and reducing poverty.

What goal/s would you most like to reach with your work as an African futures thinker / practitioner?

I have a goal to assist as many rural areas in Nigeria to become self-sustainable through agriculture and Agribusiness. This can be achieved when the capacities of the youth are built and support provided for them not only to be entrepreneurs but also to succeed at it.

Who or what most influenced your thinking as a futures thinker / practitioner, and how?

This I would describe as my meeting with the President of Uruguay. He saw to the future needs of not just himself but that of his country. And as a result, even as a President he remained a farmer adding to the food basket of his nation while he built other sectors.

What is your main disciplinary background? (i.e. your primary training / qualification)

Agriculture, ICT for Development, Agric Entrepreneurship, Environmental Management and Renewable Energy.

How do other people describe you and how do you describe yourself?

Others describe me as… innovative

I describe myself as… a goal getter

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

What is one of your favourite quotes about the future?

“The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine” - Mike Murdock

How would you describe the state of African futures thinking right now?

African futures’ thinking is at a point of revolution. Day in day out we are beginning to see that our future lies in our hands and not in that of the Western world. Thus we are taking critical steps to create our own path to greatness.

What is, in your opinion, the main barrier to uptake of futures knowledge by African institutions and organisations?

One major barrier is a lack of study of our history and the successes of older generations in building Africa.

If you were to give advice to someone who wants a career in African foresight / future studies, what would you say to him or her?

Choose a career that is practical, allows for innovation and one that helps to provide human need.

What are your recommended readings for every African futures thinker / practitioner?

ONE BILLION HUNGRY - Can we feed the world? - Gordon Conway.

What are your recommendations for other favourite futures resources: websites, newsfeeds, mailing lists, associations, etc.?

www.ypard.net