The Nigeria I see: Project Nigeria and Team Redwood

Today is Democracy day! I’m happy – not because I don’t face the same challenges that the average Nigerian does but because I am part of a generation that is rewriting Nigeria’s story. A generation that is turning stumbling blocks to stepping stones and seeing opportunities for growth and change in seemingly bleak situations.

Below is an interview with a game changer – A proud Nigerian and person of impact.

Enjoy!

Samuel T. Segun is a Social Entrepreneur, Educator, and Researcher. As a social entrepreneur, He is a Co-founder of Redwood Leadership and Lead Researcher for its innovation lab focused on advancing, market & political research in Nigeria. He also serves as National Curator of Project Nigeria, a nation building platform estimated to have impacted over 25000 Nigerians at the end of 2016.

He is also a member of the TEDx Calabar core team and the Global Shapers Community, Calabar Hub.

 TNIS:  Thank you, Mr. Segun for this opportunity. Can you tell us about Redwood Leadership and why it was birthed?

Samuel T. Segun: Redwood Leadership, was created to meet what I call the Prepared-Leadership gap in Nigeria. I found out that many persons aspiring to future leadership were not undergoing the requisite training and discipline expected from the office they aspired for. So, we began a deliberate leadership program for three sectors we considered pivotal - Business & Entrepreneurship, Civic Leadership, and Public Management. Through these platforms, we run the Redwood iLab, School of Public Management and Teens Leadership Academy.

TNIS: That’s fantastic! I’m reminded of the Boys Scout’s motto which stands true –BE PREPARED. Moving on, what projects have you embarked on so far and what has been the outcome of such?

Samuel T. Segun: At Redwood, we're always on projects. We've run training sessions for the government of Cross River State and many other civil society groups. But I guess what's most outstanding for me is our annual conference "Optimize". So far, the Optimize Conference has had a direct impact on more than 2,000 young people in the city of Calabar.

In addition, we run a Public Policy Think-Tank, Project Nigeria which seeks to design blueprint for inclusive governance and institutional structuring.

TNIS:  What does Nigeria need to do to harness her potential?

Samuel T. Segun: I know many persons are quick to push the responsibility to the country's leadership, but I think Nigeria's greatest asset is her people. Hence I think that the harnessing of Nigeria’s potential will rely more on having responsible and responsive citizens who understand the benefits of good governance and demand such. People often say we deserve the leaders we get and I think this is true. Our leadership reflects our collective insouciance as a people.

TNIS: Hmmm….”We deserve the leaders we get” – Food for thought. It is evident that you are passionate about Nigeria. Why?

Samuel T. Segun: (Laughs)... That's a question I do not have an answer to. I think my passion might have started from my desire to see a better country. When I see the systemic defects of our systems and compare that with many developed countries I feel pained, I know that we can do so much more. This is what drives me. Regardless of the mistreatment that I face in the hands of customs from other countries, I am always proud to say that I am a Nigerian.

TNIS: Hashtag ProudlyNigerian -:). What does the future hold for Nigeria (in terms of governance and entrepreneurship)?

Samuel T. Segun: Nigeria's future is no longer gloomy I must say.  I get excited at how many young people are coming to terms with a desire to be active and are aware of what's going on in the polity. These days, people are taking up the responsibility to ask government questions. With initiatives like Project Nigeria, Enough is Enough, BudgIT and a lot more, citizens are armed with the tools to question and participate in governance.

Furthermore, with the many investments the Nigerian Tech space is receiving, I dare say, we are headed in the right direction. We are getting prepared to be active in the thick of the fourth revolution (the technology revolution).

TNIS:Nigeria and the Technology Revolution - Conversation for another time. What would you tell your undergraduate self about impact and leadership – something you know now that you wish you knew then.

Samuel T. Segun: This is a good question. I think my response will be that they live life more deliberately. It's important to know where you want to see yourself and aim for the best. It's equally important to stay prepared and live prepared so that when the opportunity comes, you're ready to work.

TNIS: Finally, How can one get involved with Project Nigeria and Redwood Leadership Initiative

Samuel T. Segun: We have representatives in the 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria - willing persons can get in touch with any of them. Another easy way is to like our Facebook page (Project 2031 Nigeria) and send a message, the media team will get in touch with interested persons as quickly as possible.

TNIS: Great! The take-home message for me is this – See the glass half full; be prepared; be the change you want to see.

Thank you very much for your time. I look forward to more enriching conversations.

To our readers: Do not forget to visit Project 2031 Nigeria on Facebook

Happy Democracy day!

#ProudlyNigerian