By Victor Gotevbe
‘Toyin Ajao (33) has her first degree in Management and Accounting from Obafemi  Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, Nigeria. She was a Peace and Security (women) fellow of African Leadership Centre and King’s College London (2009/2010).

‘Toyin’s past work focused on women, gender, sexuality and social media activism. She is a two-time international award winning blogger and a co-editor at KIND ‘free2run’ women in politics blog. Before starting a co- consulting initiative- StandTall Consulting, she has worked with change making NGOs including Baobab for Women’s Human Rights, and Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre Nigeria.

*Toyin in yellow long sleeves

As part of the fellowship program, ‘Toyin is currently studying on the MA in Conflict, Security and Development at King’s College London. She is known for women and gender activism as well as social media activism among others. From the United Kingdom, she shares her story with Saturday Youth Vibes.

Journey into blogging?
I have Oreoluwa  Somolu to thank for that. She was my inspiration and when I worked with her at Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre, I fully understood her vision of making ICT an embracing tool for all girls and women. There is no how one will not get inspired by a brilliant woman who is futurist in thinking.

Working with young women
My work with young women has been fantastic. I have been amazed as to much potential and brilliancy I have discovered among young women especially in Nigeria. Many of them just need an enabling environment and a society that believe in everyone’s potential regardless gender to develop and make outstanding contributions. Social construct and gender inequality needs to be continually challenged as that still stand as an impediment to young women’s aspirations.

Growing up
I have a lot to say about what growing up was like for me, but it will be good to summarise: I was born in Ikirun, Osun State where I had my primary and secondary school education before proceeding to Obafemi Awolowo University where I badged Bsc. Accounting. I am the last child of a big family. Growing up had its advantages and disadvantages and I still do miss my late mum and dad.

My most memorable experience
There are so many of them. Memories and imaginations are part of my persona.  But perhaps may be that outstanding memorable experience will come when Nigeria is transformed and every Nigeria is genuinely proud of that country and its leadership.

Panelist at the 55th UN Commitee on the Women Status (CWS)
I was a part of the African Leadership Centre, Nairobi (an organization devoted to training critical mass of transformative Africans) as a study fellow, am now an alumna and I am back again as a fellow doing my MA at King’s College London.

As part of the women fellow in 2009/2010, there eight of us from different African countries decided to apply for CWS to address the burning issue of women participation in peace processes. We discovered that documenting the role that women play at their community level as traditional peace negotiators/makers will go a long way in addressing that vacuum of women representation at the peace table. That was our overarching concern and the reason we attended the Committee on Women Status at the UN in 2010.

Young women can be part of what I do.
There are so many young women with vision to do something; in fact some have already started. We just need to continually look out for each other, look out for best practices. And to always remember our role in leadership and transformation is immensely important to bring about a wonderful universe for all.

My present work.
I am currently doing my MA at King’s College in Conflict, Security and Development. At the completion of this, my commitment is to combine activism, consulting with teaching. I will be back to Africa where I believe so strongly that the necessary change we want will happen to collective effort.

My effort is targeting change of mindset, rethinking and redefining leadership, culture and orientation. This will be my contribution and many young people will benefit from my wealth of knowledge and experience as I will benefit from theirs.

What I want to be remembered for at 35
I am already known for my activism and my stand on issues of leadership, women and development. I will only intensify the need for change in orientation and mindset through my work and that is all that matters.

Words of encouragement for Nigerian youth
We are all the change we need if we truly believe in ourselves. If we truly believe there is no sense in talking change when we ourselves are not transformed. We have been disappointed so many times and we need to buckle up in order not to repeat the same mistakes we are challenging.

YOUNG NIGERIANS MAKING THE DIFFERENCE
TOLULEKE OBADIMU LAFIA, NASSARAWA STATE

Tolu is an emerging development consultant with special interest in poverty reduction strategies. He holds a diploma in Public Administration and  a degree  in Social Works from the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and University of Calabar, respectively.

As a certified Micro enterprise development trainer, he has trained over 3000 youths across Nigeria using various training modules. In his own words: I believe youths are problem solvers rather than problems to be solved.

This passion for youth development led him to establish REALFRIENDS, a youth led group with a mandate to impact rural community through various initiatives such as Discovery journey, community impact projects and STRALEF(strategic leadership and enterpreneurship forum).

Since 2001, he has been consulting for various local and international youth development projects and he is a Lead member of YES Nigeria Network. He is an Odeda, Ogun state born indigene currently working with ECG consulting.

CHIKA EZEIGBO (a.k.a. CHIIKA100%) APAPA, LAGOS
Chika could naturally pass for a banker at first sight but this graduate from Abia State University has had a good combination of his studies and his love for music.

*Chika

After graduation in 2007, he went into professional music career and has to his credit his solo album. A year later, he established the band “100%”.  His style is a fusion of R&B, African rhythm, Rock and little bit of soul amongst many other genres. Hence, the name 100%.

From very humble beginning, singing in church from childhood, Chiika100% slowly but steadily rose to become an accomplished instrumentalist (Keyboards, Bass Guitar and Drums) and a music director in several churches in Lagos. His love for gospel music and proficiency led to his appointment as the President of  Destiny Mass Choir (DMC), a non-denominational mass choir project based in Apapa, Lagos.

His music is making waves across the country helping young people channel their energies into positive use. Chiika100%  has worked with and performed alongside such notable artists as Olufunmi, Buchi, Eben, Tim Godfrey and the Extreme crew, Frank Edwards and many more.

He is known for his electrifying style which keeps his audience up on its feet with mouths wide open and feet dancing in praise and worship. His contemporary style is aimed at giving God EXTREME praise and “pulling youths out of the night clubs and the streets into purposeful living.