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?

A futurist brings people’s attention to the future ahead of them, and encourage them to take up strategies to work out beneficial possibilities.

As an African futures thinker, I am actively involved in leadership, already possessing the vision, drive, and desire to facilitate change when faced with a challenge.

My mission is found in advocating for more women inclusion in leadership; gender justice in work place and in all life’s facet.

Finally, I see a wrecked future if more adolescents continue to abuse drugs. Increased chronic diseases and mass death may result due to drug-misuse few years from now. Therefore, I stand against drug abuse and misuse amongst adolescents in Nigeria.

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

One year

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

Nigeria

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

English, Nigerian pidgin

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

I know numerous possibilities the future holds. If we must be any different, we must act differently. I believe in a sustained better future for my country and Africa at large.

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

My goal is to ensure a change in the people’s mindset towards sustainability in governance and nation’s vitality.

I look forward to ensuring drug abuse and misuse, and its related consequences; violence, mental instability, chronic diseases and death is eradicated.

Gender justice and inclusive governance in my Nation and Africa at large.

Education for all children (male and female alike).

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

My background is a major motivation: At a very young age, I knew there was more to living, unlike the typical life routine. There was always a question of what does the future hold? How can I change the future? I wanted so much to be a solution provider, a leader and so much more.

Also, knowing the short comings in my nation in terms of technology, health care, gender justice and governance. I became motivated by change, I then made up my mind to play an active role in my nation’s transformation and the world’s too.

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

Pharmacy, Advocacy, Global health

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

Others describe me as... outstanding, daring.

I describe myself as... excellent, remarkable.

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

What is one of your favourite quotes about the future?

“For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.” - John F. Kennedy

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

African future thinking has improved compared to the past years, everyone especially the youth are more globally aware. Majority are also committed to driving lasting social change via social enterprise and individual contributions. However, there is a lot more work to be done in governance, education, health and economy.

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

Basically, reduced awareness on the need for futures knowledge. Some limitations are due to lack of motivation and passion.

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?

Go for it. Being a futurist is equivalent to building a more sustainable world. A futurist inspires other people to create a brighter future. To be an outstanding futurist you must;

1. Build capacity and credibility
2. Get a mentor and foster connection
3. Be committed to personal development

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

1. Things fall apart – Chinua Achebe
2. The future of the mind – Michio Kaku
3. Future shock - Alvin Toffler

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

FutureTimeline.net
ScienceDaily
World Future Society
Foresight for Development
Young African Leaders Initiative | YALI Network
Global Changemakers