Abisola Adedeji is our Village Beauty for the week. Abisola Adedeji is in her second year of study in the University of Ibadan and Founder of Teenkin Faculty. Below is our thrilling interview with her.
Kindly tell us briefly about yourself.
I am Abisola Oluwadamilola Adedeji, also known as Abisinuola. I am a 200level student of the Faculty of Agriculture. I am a creative writer, public speaker and the Founder of the Teenkin Faculty, an adolescence-oriented community. In addition, I am a mental health advocate and I engage in series of activities aimed at mental health orientation and advocacy. I am inclined towards personal development and making social impact, thus my involvement in communities, organisations and programs geared towards these. On a lighter note, I am the quietest extrovert you will ever come across and a huge fan of sci-fi.
What is ‘The Teenkin Faculty’ about?
The Teenkin Faculty is a community on a mission to make forward-thinking leaders of teenagers, through strategic networking via a communal relationship, effective mentorship and empowerment. Thus far, we have had virtual skill empowerment programs for teenagers to acquire skills necessary to thrive in this digital age. We have also had several mentorship programs which take two forms: one-on-one Mentorship with experts, and weekly virtual seminars. Furthermore, we’ve had programs on mental health and we are presently working on implementing better structures and partnerships aimed at improving the mental health of, not just our community members, but of teenagers outside the community.
Being a mental health advocate, can you share with us some relevant life-coping tips for the moment, especially now that students are schooling from home?
These are trying times and it takes the strong to keep the head above water. Nonetheless, I’ve always believed that the strength to live is right within us. On that note, the first thing I tell everyone around me is to turn a deaf ear to the noise on the media. Many students come online to talk about how terrible the system is and as much as this is a way to de-stress, it could cause anxiety for other people. Asides this, come to terms with the reality; we all know things could be better but this is what we have and we should bring our mind to work with it. Face the reality and prepare your mind to work with what is thrown at you, this is not the time to overthink.
In addition to that, we all must know that this problem is not peculiar to just an individual or an institution, almost all schools in the country are experiencing the same thing. With this, know that you are not alone and there are people who are determined to pull through; we all will survive it. You are not alone.
You belong to JCI and some other campus-based organisations, what influence do you think extracurricular activities have on students’ development on Campus that can’t be derived from academics?
In the words of Oprah Winfrey, “The whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person you were intended to be.” I have always believed in being an all-rounder Andrew, this is exactly what engaging in extracurricular activities does for a student. I am of the opinion that being book-smart is not enough to thrive in the outside world, consequently there’s a need to involve in other activities that would help broaden our minds outside the walls of the academic institution.
Before coming to school, one thing I did was to try envisioning the life I want to have when I conclude my 5-year course, then outline all I’ll need to actualize the vision. On my list were many factors that I will only get outside my books, so when I resumed, I became a part of activities that aligned with my vision. In essence, extracurricular activities equip students to succeed in every facet of life they need to explore, academics inclusive. You get to network with people across diverse fields and put other talents and potentials to good use.
If given the opportunity to rule Nigeria for an hour, what would your first action be?
There are many things to do but I think money is the root of all the evils in this country. So, in one hour, I’ll first disburse money to everybody’s account, let everybody calm down; times are hard, we need money.
That’s on a lighter note though, but on a more serious note, I’ll be very interested in the finances of this country, all those policies affecting our finances will be reviewed. Then, security is very pivotal, we need a secure environment to enjoy the life that comes with having money. I hope I’ll be able to achieve this in one hour.
What do you feel is the way forward to the incessant gender-based violence in the contemporary Nigerian society?
Honestly, reorientation. I had the opportunity of being an ambassador at an organisation against Gender-Based Violence in African countries. When I read about the situations in other countries and I checked Nigeria’s, I just knew that the existing culture and traditions play a role in driving this inhumane practice. Hence, the most important step is to enlighten people on the effects of Gender-Based Violence. This starts from the smallest unit of the society- The family. If members of families are taught that people should be treated because they are humans and not because they belong to a particular gender, I believe it would cause a shift in how children are raised and how adults are taught to behave. That is my opinion.
Mostly, NGOs instituted by females (ladies) have their scope tend to only focus on the problems faced by the female folks. What specific way do you intend to reach the opposite gender using your organisation, the Teenkin Faculty?
I love to tell people that I strongly believe that everyone should be treated simply because they are humans and not because they belong to gender, race or colour. In that light, when I was to establish the community, I ensured to start off with an atmosphere that allowed both males and females to thrive. We don’t run activities for just girls or for just boys; we strike a balance. For instance, when we treated sexual assaults issues, we ensured that our speakers and facilitators didn’t invalidate the fact that males are also raped. Also, I try as much as possible to not allow partnerships with female-focused organisations, so the guys won’t feel left out. If it ever happens, they are sure that there’s a plan for them too. In all, my team and I ensure to strike a balance. The major goal of the community is to create a safe space for every teenager, regardless of their gender or race or colour to express themselves.
Entrepreneurship or ‘8-4′ job?
This one is very dicey. I love the corporate world but I also love to be my own boss. Unfortunately, I am presently not much of an entrepreneurial person but I am working towards developing my mind in that light. This money must be made.
What comes to your mind when you hear “Zikites”?
CRUISE! Zikites are cruise Lords. I actually don’t have any experience with Zikites but thus far, all I know is that they are full of cruise.
Parting words?
Hey Kings, you’re all amazing and awesome individuals. Being a king means wearing your crown with pride and not letting any situation pull you down. However, being a king doesn’t mean you are not human, so allow yourself feel all that you want to feel, it’s okay to cry but never feel intimidated. Also, respect Queens and never be the reason a queen is scared or too broken to stand tall. Most importantly, Zikites stop ARO!
Social media details-
Instagram: @abisinuoladeji
Other places, I am Abisinuola Deji.
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ZHPO
