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?

I am a Development Knowledge Facilitator for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where he trains and mentor people on their roles in achieving the SDGs. I am concerned about sustainable utilization of resources. Through my work with youths in Africa, I aim to stimulate innovative mindset, train and engage in Aqua-preneurship; integration of Aquaculture and Fisheries management and through research, and forum discussions on environmental resources management.

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

About 3 years, I have developed passion for youth involvement in agribusiness especially aqua-preneurship for development in Nigeria and Africa at large.

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

In Nigeria, through participation in the activities of organizations like JED Recycling Initiative, Young African Leaders Initiative Networks (YALI) as well as Young Innovation Leaders Fellowship (YIL), The Platform - Young Professional Bootcamp (YPB) among other engagement in series of young professional activities.

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

English, Yoruba

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

I work part time in fish farms – an experience that sparked my strong passion for sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries, in Nigeria. I yearn for an inflow of youth in developing Nigeria’s Fisheries for attainment of sustainable self-sufficiency in fish production, utilization and resource conservation.
I am motivated by the wide range of potentials Africa have and by the wide range of experts i get to work with.
I am the co-founder of Jed Recycling Initiative that committed to providing distribution channels for recyclable waste materials and reducing pressure on landfills and with the overarching goal of being an active driver of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) 6, 12, 13.

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

Through my work, I aim to strengthen the capacity of fish farmers around Nigeria to increase their sustainable production levels and thereby play an active role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 14. Through Jed Recycling Initiative, I hope to promote eco-friendly practices.

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

My family background has built zeal to achieve The SDGs, assist disadvantaged people, taught me never to underestimate anyone; we all have our distinct abilities that can be harnessed for the betterment of humanity. Moreso, reading books and experiences of thought leaders like Mr. Oyindamola Johnson also influence me.

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

Aquaculture and Fisheries Management

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

Others describe me as... Gentle

I describe myself as... Innovative

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

What is one of your favourite quotes about the future?

“You can never see the sunrise by looking to the West.”

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

The state of African thinking now is created for creativity. Our eyes look for opportunity, our ears listen for direction, our mind requires a challenge and your heart longs for development. Our creativity and dream is an indication of potential greatness.

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

When organization lacks open-minded leaders. Inefficient sustainable futuristic decisions due to inability to separate facts from opinion and speculations.

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?

Position Yourself for Action

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

• The Africa I dream to see - Hammed Kayode Alabi
• It worked for me in Life and Leadership by Colin Powell 
• The Motivation Manifesto: 9 Declarations to Claim Your Personal Power by Brendon Burchard

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

• Young African Leadership Initiative Networks (YALI),
• Ashoka