Navigating through life’s labyrinth, I have been profoundly shaped by the guiding light of mentorship. From my early days where my 10-year old sister took me step-by-step through the art of doing the house chores, to encounters, decades later with a septuagenarian Professor who helped refine my annual reports, mentorship has been my compass.
Bob Proctor described a mentor as someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself. I have no words to add to this beautiful description.
Along the line of this lifelong learning curve, countless luminaries have illuminated my way. It’s vital to recognize that my elevation was often facilitated by the giants whose shoulders I stood upon.
To whom much is given, much (even more) is expected, goes the popular maxim. I actually remember Professor Ladipo’s words to me whenever I appreciate him for all he does for me. “Pass the torch”, he would always say. Even when I had always felt that I had it in me to mentor folks behind me, his words spur me to do more!
I took it upon myself to always go back visiting my Secondary School every year (sometimes more than once) for at least 10 years after graduating. My inspiration came from those ex-students who would come visiting us in secondary school from their Universities either on vacation, during the regular strike action by their lecturers or even while the school is on session. Their words were so impactful to me that I felt so proud getting to the medical school and sitting across one of them Dr Tope Akinola in inter-level quiz competitions. I would tell him proudly how I had looked for such an opportunity to make him proud as a mentee whom he inspired to join him in medical school. His talk about being on scholarships as a result of his brilliance kept me uncompromising until I also had similar scholarships under my belt. We have since been in touch and rubbed off on each other as professional colleagues. And yes, I went back to Wesley College of Science only a few weeks ago.
While in medical school, I had an inspiration to promote literacy among secondary school students having observed a nosediving trend in literary culture among these chaps. Libraries were either nonexistent, ill-equipped or abandoned. The advent of mobile phones also impacted negatively on the writing culture where folks at the time prefer to write in sht fms rather than in full. Examiners had hard time grading students’ essays which year-on-year became even more appalling to read. To reverse this trend, I started a Literary Awareness Initiative for Secondary School Students (LAIFOSSS) where students participated in essay writing competitions to win prizes. The star prize was a complete computer set. A big deal in 2006! Guess who donated this prize? My mentor-in-chief himself, Prof. Oladapo Ladipo. He did this in his personal capacity, having failed to pull through an organisational sponsorship. This gesture was the push my poor self needed to ensure the competition was a success. He didn’t stop at that but ensured to be physically present at the Prize giving ceremony, awaiting all the delays in starting, supporting me with words of encouragement and assuring me that greatness await me. Ha! This is indelible in my heart and I’m forever grateful to Prof.
Fast forward, some of the participants would later join me in the University of Ibadan and I’m always proud to showcase them as my Mentees having played such a role in my little way over the years. We are still mostly in touch and I don’t hesitate to chip in one or two words to them as necessary.
I’m so passionate about mentorship that I volunteered as a mentor during my compulsory NYSC to support an initiative of my colleague Barr Halimah Abba- Skills Outside School Foundation. I was recently contacted to serve as mentor again in what has now become an African initiative and sure I grabbed that opportunity with both arms.
In the course of my career, I try my best to be a worthy mentor to my supervisees and employees alike. This I learnt from my teacher, Dr Kayode Afolabi who has remained my mentor as I journey through the development/public health space. Many of my mentees are now doing great things within and outside the country and I’m proud of the feats they’re achieving. I also remember to harp on them, the need to pass on the torch. I hope they do so.
Last year, I was a speaker at the JCI Nigeria Northern Conference. A few student-participants reached out to me after my session, asking to be mentored and all. I did my best and watched them grow. I was pleasantly surprised when the delegation from the National Association of Northern Nigerian Students reached out having considered me for an award. As I promised them during the brief ceremony, I’m only inspired to do more. Thank you guys for the honour!
Most recently, I attended the Growth Conference, a gathering of business owners, founders, operators and other professionals who are passionate about the concept of growth. A number of like-minded young people had volunteered in one role or the other to support the event. I then overheard one of them being described as Nurse. It immediately piqued my interest and I was curious to know why she had chosen to volunteer at such a non-medical event and definitely not in clinical capacity. She smiled and told me there are about 4 other medics in the team. Interesting! I thought to myself. I asked if she could gather them all so we can have a light-hearted chat towards the end of the event. The picture here was taken during our coffee chat even as I challenged them to be the best they can be while providing some insight/guidance to the execution of their various initiatives. These guys are set to change the world. Watch out for them!
In the words of John Crosby, “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction”. How apt!
With profound appreciation to my mentors and an unwavering commitment to pass the torch, I persist, embodying the transformative essence of mentorship.
