MY SI4DEV ABUJA SUMMIT STORY!


As an emerging community development strategist, the last few days has been very important for me as i attended the #SI4DEVSummit2018 Themed: "Achieving Community Led development through community driven development projects". As a SI4DEV Partner, having passed through rigorous training & mentoring sessions, i had the opportunity to meet and learn from other development actors across Nigeria. Some of these persons have inspired me greatly.

Let me share with you some of the things you missed.

1. Interactive sessions with amazing facilitators
2. Breakout sessions
3. One-on-One mentoring sessions
4. Case studies of properly executed community driven development projects by SI4DEV partners across Nigeria
5 Panel discussions
6. Networking Opportunities
7. Hospitality at its peak
8. Awards
9. Motivation for redirection.

Well, let me briefly say that what inspired me mostly at the event was the amazing way the Kano team led by Babatunde Ibikunle Esq. were able to drive collaboration and support from community members in Nassarawa LGA, Kano state. They successfully upgraded an Al-Majiri school into an acceptable Junior Secondary School. Today, massive structures are being erected to give the school a facelift. This project required all hands to be on deck and a lot of sacrifices being made. Today, the school has gotten government approval and runs the normal western educational curriculum plus of course, Islamic education. One would imagine how Al-majiris would end up with western education after being abandoned to seek knowledge wherever they deem possible. That project informed me that nothing is impossible if you set out to achieve it.

I was left with inspiring memories of fellow partners Grace Firstlady Jimbo, Amb Nnamso Esu, Sam Tension'theory Yumar, Ettoh Marvin Kefe , Franklin Nwachukwu , Adefare Oluwatomisin , Taoheed Alim, Agoro Monisola Aiyekusehin, Ukaigweh Roberts Nnaemeka, Nwamaka Osu, Djulieseventplace Julie, Amanda Obidike Onwuasor Innocent, Ruke Ejegreh  and lots of other amazing personalities all from different states in Nigeria and varying professional fields.

Much love to the duo of Nkem Akinsoto & Akin Akinsoto who birthed the great Strategy and Innovation for Development Initiative, giving amazing opportunities for young minds to develop themselves while developing their communities.

As the summit came to a wrap for me, i remembered one line of motivation shared with me by my ever supportive brother Rotarian Akeem Gbadamosi;

"One thing about a fire is that you need fire to light it!"

I have found my fire, what are you waiting for?

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