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 provide my mental and physical abilities, and time towards contributing to issues, events, awareness, activities, debates, etc. that promotes Africa’s strengths and solutions that addresses her political instability.

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

Six years

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

Nigeria, Germany, Senegal and Thailand.

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

English

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

I am motivated by the genuine quest to build strong Africa’s future policy makers (youth) for home grown solutions to her challenges.

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

I will like to see a politically and economically stable Africa. By 2030, all efforts should produce: improved governance and transparency, sound conflict early warning system, more regional economic integration, youth and women participation in governance, etc.

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

There had been great leaders who inspire me, for example: Nelson Mandela, John Kuffour, Kofi Anan, Olusegun Obasanjo, etc. These leaders have sacrificed greatly for their country’s unity and Africa’s conflict resolution/mediation initiatives. Besides those, my personal experience as an African viz-a-viz my place on the global stage, has influenced my interest to support home-grown solutions/initiatives for Africa’s future development.

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

International Relation, Public Policy, Peace and Conflict Studies, and NGO Programme Management.

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

Others describe me as… a leader

I describe myself as… compassionate

YOUR PERSPECTIVE

What is one of your favourite quotes about the future?

“Develop the youth, develop the future”
- Collins G. Adeyanju

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

The state of Africa’s futures thinking right now is strong. It has engaged more youths than before; there is a purposeful multilateral coalition or coordination to address same problems; the advocacy for civil-oriented governance is louder; and more positive steps.

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

The main barrier in my opinion is the indiscipline amongst African member states to honour and implement adopted common universal values.

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?

Get yourself grounded on Africa’s past and why she is where she is today. This will provide a basis for articulation for the future.

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

Journal of African Studies

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

insightonconflict.org