IBRAHIM LADAN ALIYU

Ibrahim studied BSc Architecture at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. He is currently pursuing his Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at the Nigeria Defence Academy. He has over 5 years of experience in Architecture, Construction and volunteering in several fields of development and some few years in the field of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

“The power to create change lies within each and every one of us”

Q: Tell us a few things about you! Your background, your childhood and early beginnings! 

I was born and raised in Kaduna, Kaduna State. During my childhood, I had a passion for creativity and design, which eventually led me to pursue a career in architecture. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture with Upper Second Class Honors from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I furthered my education by obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Education from Usman Dan Fodio University in Sokoto. This allowed me to explore my interest in education and its impact on society.

I have always been driven by a desire to make a positive difference and contribute to the development of my community. I have been actively involved in various professional and volunteer work experiences. For instance, I served as a supervisor for the construction of wash facilities in rural primary schools in Shawn II LGAs as part of my role at Kaduna State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA).

In addition to my architectural background, I also pursued a Master's degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Nigeria Defence Academy in Kaduna. This expanded my knowledge and skills in the field of supply chain and logistics, which is crucial for effective management and sustainable development.

Furthermore, I have been engaged in various volunteer activities, such as my role as the Director of Collaboration/Partnership at the North-East Youth Peace Ambassadors Network (NEYPAN) and as a Global School Advocate for the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN-Youths). These experiences have allowed me to contribute to causes I am passionate about, including education for sustainable development and environmental issues.

In terms of my personal development, I have actively participated in workshops, conferences and training programmes to enhance my skills and broaden my knowledge. For example, I have attended workshops on data science, entrepreneurship and leadership development, among others.

Overall, my background, education, and experiences have shaped me into a multi-faceted individual with a strong drive for making a positive impact in the fields of architecture, education, sustainability and community development.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

• Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: In certain areas of our society, access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities remains a significant challenge. This lack of access hinders our overall health and well-being and efforts should be made to improve water supply and sanitation infrastructure.

• Education Disparities: I have observed disparities in access to quality education, especially among marginalised communities and those facing poverty. It is crucial to address these disparities and ensure that every individual has equal opportunities for education and skills development.

• Environmental Issues and Sustainability: Climate change, waste management and sustainability are pressing concerns in our society. We must tackle these challenges to protect our environment and promote sustainable practices for a better future.

• Youth Empowerment and Employment: Youth unemployment and the limited availability of employment opportunities pose significant challenges. It is essential to empower young people through education, vocational training and entrepreneurship programmes to enhance their skills and create avenues for employment.

• Inclusion and Equality: Our society still struggles with issues of social inequality and discrimination. Promoting inclusivity, equal opportunities and addressing social disparities are vital for building a more just and equitable society.

Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them? 

I have faced several hurdles in my life so far and have learned to navigate through them with resilience and determination. Here are some of the challenges I encountered and how I handled them:

• Academic Challenges: During my early years, I faced academic challenges and struggled to perform at my best. To overcome this, I adopted a proactive approach by seeking additional support, such as tutoring and study groups. I dedicated extra time and effort to improve my understanding of the subjects, which eventually led to better academic performance.

• Financial Constraints: Financial limitations have been a recurring challenge for me. To handle this, I explored various opportunities, such as scholarships, grants and part-time jobs, to support my education and cover expenses. I also engaged in entrepreneurial ventures, leveraging my skills and creativity to generate income and alleviate financial burdens.

• Limited Access to Opportunities: Growing up in a society with limited access to opportunities posed challenges in terms of education and employment. To overcome this hurdle, I actively sought out volunteer experiences and internships to gain practical skills and enhance my resume. I also expanded my professional network and actively pursued opportunities outside my immediate surroundings, leveraging technology and online platforms.

• Balancing Responsibilities: Juggling multiple responsibilities has been a constant challenge in my life. From managing academic pursuits to work and volunteer commitments, I had to develop effective time management and organisational skills. Prioritisation became crucial and I learned to allocate my time and energy efficiently to ensure I could fulfill my various obligations.

• Overcoming Self-Doubt and Obstacles: Like anyone else, I have faced moments of self-doubt and encountered obstacles along the way. To handle these challenges, I focused on personal growth and development. I sought guidance from mentors, engaged in self- reflection, and worked on building my self-confidence. I embraced a growth mindset and viewed obstacles as opportunities for learning and improvement.

• Through perseverance, determination and a positive mindset, I have been able to overcome these hurdles. Each challenge has taught me valuable lessons and shaped me into a stronger and more resilient individual. I continue to embrace new experiences and challenges, knowing that they contribute to my personal and professional growth.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you? 

The role of a mentor is important to me for several reasons:

• Guidance and Direction: A mentor provides valuable guidance and direction in my personal and professional life. They offer their wisdom and expertise, helping me navigate through challenges and make informed decisions. Their insights and advice shape my perspective and provide clarity on the path I should take.

• Learning from Experience: A mentor has gone through experiences similar to mine and has overcome various obstacles along the way. By sharing their experiences, they provide me with valuable lessons and insights that I can apply to my own journey. Learning from their successes and failures helps me avoid potential pitfalls and accelerates my growth.

• Skills Development: A mentor plays a crucial role in my skills development. They identify my strengths and weaknesses, and provide guidance on how to enhance my skills and knowledge. They may suggest specific resources, recommend training programmes, or provide hands-on coaching to help me develop the competencies needed to succeed.

• Networking and Opportunities: A mentor often has an extensive network of contacts and can connect me with valuable opportunities. Through their connections, I can expand my professional network, gain exposure to new ideas and perspectives, and access potential career opportunities. Their guidance in building relationships and navigating professional circles is invaluable.

• Emotional Support and Encouragement: A mentor serves as a source of emotional support and encouragement. They believe in my abilities, provide motivation during challenging times, and offer a listening ear when I need someone to talk to. Having a mentor who understands my aspirations and provides unwavering support boosts my confidence and resilience.

• Accountability and Goal Setting: A mentor helps me set goals and holds me accountable for achieving them. They provide structure and accountability in my journey, ensuring that I stay focused and take the necessary steps to reach my objectives. Their guidance keeps me motivated and on track towards accomplishing my goals.

• Personal and Professional Growth: The role of a mentor is instrumental in my overall personal and professional growth. Their guidance, advice, and support contribute to my development as a well-rounded individual. They challenge me to step out of my comfort zone, encourage continuous learning and foster a growth mindset.

In summary, having a mentor is important to me because they provide guidance, share their experiences, help me develop skills, open doors to opportunities, offer emotional support, hold me accountable and contribute to my personal and professional growth. Their influence and guidance are invaluable assets on my journey to success.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share? 

Yes, there is a valuable lesson that life has taught me and I would be glad to share it:

The lesson I have learned is to embrace failure and see it as an opportunity for growth. In life, we often encounter setbacks, disappointments and failures. It is easy to become discouraged and feel defeated when things don't go as planned. However, I have come to realise that failure is not the end but a stepping stone towards success. Each failure I have experienced has taught me valuable lessons about myself, my capabilities, and the world around me. It has taught me resilience, perseverance and the importance of learning from my mistakes. Failure has pushed me to reevaluate my approach, to develop new strategies and to become better prepared for future challenges.

Rather than viewing failure as a reflection of my worth or abilities, I have learned to see it as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. It has taught me to embrace a growth mindset and to approach challenges with a sense of curiosity and determination. I now understand that failure is not something to fear but rather a necessary part of the journey towards success. By embracing failure, I have gained a deeper understanding of myself, discovered hidden strengths and developed new skills. It has taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability and the willingness to take risks. Failure has also humbled me, reminding me that success is not always linear and that the path to achieving my goals may be filled with obstacles.

I believe that embracing failure and learning from it is a powerful mindset that can transform setbacks into stepping stones. It allows us to see failures as opportunities for growth and to approach life with resilience and determination. By sharing this lesson, I hope to inspire others to view failure in a positive light and to embrace the valuable lessons it has to offer.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives! 

One project in Nigeria that I believe is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives is the "Home Child and Youth Protection”. This Foundation focuses on providing education and support to underprivileged children in Nigeria. They work towards ensuring that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background.

The Foundation believes in the transformative power of education and aims to break the cycle of poverty by empowering children through learning opportunities. They provide scholarships, school supplies and mentoring programmes for disadvantaged children, giving them the tools and support they need to succeed academically and in life. What makes this Foundation particularly commendable is their holistic approach. They not only focus on academic education but also provide life skills training, health support and emotional guidance to the children they serve. By addressing the various needs of the children, they are creating a positive and nurturing environment for their overall development.

The "Give a Child a Future Foundation" is making a significant impact in transforming the lives of vulnerable children in Nigeria. They are giving hope to those who might not have had access to education otherwise and empowering them to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities. I greatly admire the work of this Foundation and the positive change they are bringing to the lives of Nigerian children. They are a true inspiration, demonstrating the power of education and the importance of investing in the younger generation.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality? 

As a male, I recognise that women in Nigeria face various challenges in their daily lives. Some of the key challenges include:

• Gender-Based Violence: Women in Nigeria often experience different forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual harassment and assault. These issues stem from deep-rooted patriarchal norms and attitudes that perpetuate inequality and discrimination.

• Limited Access to Education: Despite progress in recent years, there are still disparities in access to education for girls and women in Nigeria. Factors such as poverty, early marriage, cultural beliefs and inadequate infrastructure contribute to the lower enrollment and higher dropout rates among girls, limiting their opportunities for personal and professional growth.

• Economic Empowerment: Women face challenges in accessing economic opportunities and achieving financial independence. They often encounter gender-based discrimination in the workforce, including unequal pay, limited career advancement and barriers to entrepreneurship. Lack of access to finance, land ownership and business resources further hinder their economic empowerment.

• Political Underrepresentation: Women in Nigeria are underrepresented in political leadership positions. Limited participation in decision- making processes prevents their voices from being adequately represented, leading to policies and legislation that may not fully address their needs and concerns.

Efforts are being made towards gender equality in Nigeria, both by the government and various civil society organizations. Some of these initiatives include:

• Legal Reforms: The Nigerian government has enacted laws such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and the Child Rights Act to protect women and girls from gender-based violence and discrimination. However, implementation and enforcement of these laws remain a challenge.

• Education Initiatives: Non-governmental organisations and advocacy groups are working to promote girls' education and bridge the gender gap in literacy and enrollment rates. Scholarships, mentorship programmes, and awareness campaigns aim to address the barriers that hinder girls' access to quality education.

• Women's Empowerment Programmes: There are several initiatives focused on empowering women economically, including skills training, financial literacy programsme, and access to microfinance. These programmes aim to enhance women's economic opportunities and promote entrepreneurship.

• Women's Political Participation: Efforts are being made to increase women's representation in politics and decision-making processes. Quota systems, political empowerment training and campaigns encouraging women's political engagement are being implemented to address the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles.

While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to achieve gender equality in Nigeria. Continued advocacy, policy reforms, and societal shifts in attitudes towards women's rights and empowerment are essential to create a more inclusive and equal society.

Q: Share with us a motto you live by. 

A motto I live by is 'Embrace Challenges, Embody Resilience.' Life is full of ups and downs and it's through facing challenges head-on that we truly grow and evolve. Instead of being deterred by obstacles, I choose to see them as opportunities for growth, learning and personal development. By embracing challenges with a positive mindset and unwavering determination, I can overcome them and come out stronger on the other side. Resilience is key in navigating the complexities of life and bouncing back from setbacks. It reminds me to stay focused, persevere and maintain a steadfast belief in my abilities and the power of resilience itself. With this motto, I strive to approach life's hurdles with courage, tenacity and an unwavering belief that I have the strength to overcome anything that comes my way.

Q: If you had all the money needed to launch the project of your dreams, can you describe what you would do? 

I would focus on addressing the education and skill development gaps in underprivileged communities in Nigeria. My project would aim to provide accessible and quality education to children and adults, empowering them with knowledge and skills that can transform their lives and contribute to the development of their communities.

Firstly, I would establish well-equipped educational centres in marginalised areas, ensuring access to quality education for children who might otherwise be deprived of such opportunities. These centres would have dedicated teachers, modern learning materials and a conducive learning environment to foster a love for learning and intellectual growth.

In addition to formal education, I would emphasise vocational training programmes to equip individuals with practical skills that are in demand in the job market. These programmes would cover various fields such as carpentry, plumbing, computer literacy, entrepreneurship and agricultural practices. By providing vocational training, I would empower individuals to acquire sustainable livelihoods and become self-reliant.

To ensure the success and sustainability of the project, I would collaborate with local communities, government agencies, and NGOs to garner support and establish partnerships. This would involve engaging community leaders, parents and local stakeholders to create a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for the project's success.

Furthermore, I would leverage technology to enhance learning outcomes and reach a wider audience. This could involve developing e- learning platforms, providing access to educational resources through digital devices, and incorporating innovative teaching methods that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Beyond education, I would prioritize community development initiatives that address healthcare, clean water access and environmental sustainability. By improving the overall well-being of the communities, we can create an enabling environment for individuals to thrive and reach their full potential.

Ultimately, my dream project would aim to break the cycle of poverty, empower individuals through education and skills training and create sustainable and self-reliant communities. It would be a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of various aspects of development and aims to uplift individuals and communities in a comprehensive and impactful manner.

Q: Anything else that you may wish to add? 

I would like to emphasise the importance of collaboration and inclusivity in any project or initiative aimed at creating positive change. It is essential to involve the local community, listen to their needs and aspirations, and work together to find sustainable solutions. By fostering a sense of ownership and participation, we can ensure that the project is relevant, impactful and truly serves the best interests of the people it aims to benefit.

I would also emphasise the significance of long-term sustainability. While providing immediate support and relief is important, it is equally crucial to lay the foundations for self-sufficiency and lasting impact. This can be achieved through capacity building, creating income-generating opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship within the community. By investing in the skills and potential of individuals, we can empower them to become agents of change and contribute to the development of their own communities.

Lastly, I would encourage others to join in the journey of making a difference. Positive change requires collective efforts, and by rallying support from individuals, organisations, and governments, we can amplify our impact and create a ripple effect of positive transformation. Together, we can build a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous society for all.

Remember, the power to create change lies within each and every one of us. Let us unite, dream big, and work tirelessly towards a better future.