Oluwakemi Ann-Melody Areola served as a special assistant to the then Honorable Minister of Communications, Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Shittu and also served as a Special Assistant on Youth, ICT & Corporate Relations to the past Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare. She spent her early years in the UK where she presented programs on BEN TV and PASSION TV. She is the author of “40 going on 80” which was written 2years ago to mark her 41st birthday. Areola holds a degree in Electronic and Communications Engineering from London Metropolitan University, UK. Also in her kitty are certifications like Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and PRINCE 2 certified Project Manager. In an interview with the passionate crusader and advocate for the girl-child, women and the youth through executable empowerment solution is an inspiration to younger women on crashing the glass ceiling and more.
By Agatha Emeadi
What qualified you to stumble on the high-flier job?
Well, I completed my studies in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering at North London University, which was later renamed London Metropolitan University. And also pursued a professional-level education in Project Management including being a TV presenter. Meanwhile in school, I initiated a modelling agency in London that gradually transformed it into a Public Relation Company. Currently, I manage a PR company through which I have collaborated with numerous global companies with a strong passion for philanthropy which led me to establish Kemi Ann-Melody Areola Foundation (KAMAF). On my high flier job, when I was 8years old, I came to Nigeria with my parents and completed my primary and secondary schools here. It was from that period that I developed a deep affection for my country, appreciating its culture and weather with the intention to return to Nigeria at some point in my life. So, while running my PR company in London, I collaborated extensively with some Nigerian artists, and they consistently urged me to come back home. When I made up my mind to do so, I anticipated working in the entertainment industry upon my return, but however, my career path eventually led me towards Corporate PR, followed by Government PR, and eventually into the field of Government ICT.
What was your experience working with the Ministry of Youths and Sports?
While in the ministry, I discovered and believe we should place a significant emphasis on capacity development, particularly through training all that needs to be trained including the trainers. This is crucial because knowledge transfer occurs from person to person, and we need to ensure that those imparting knowledge are well-prepared. If we consider the ICT industry, infrastructure such as cabling plays a vital role. Similarly, when it comes to the youth, their infrastructure lies within the administration that guides and educates them. Therefore, it is imperative that we prioritize training for those in administrative positions and equip them with global best practices and standards. This will enable them to effectively pass on the necessary knowledge and required skills. It is very essential. Given the ever-evolving nature of the youth sector, they must stay updated with the latest changes, developments and and advancements. Moreover, I strongly believe that involving more young people in the development of curricula and courses for their peers would be highly beneficial because it will ensure that the education provided is relevant, engaging, and aligned with the needs and aspirations of the youths.
Youth’s unemployment has become a menace and eaten deep into the fabrics of this nation, what do you consider a way out?
From my experience in government, the landscape of jobs is undergoing significant changes, and by 2030, nearly 30 million jobs will become obsolete. However, this doesn’t mean that those positions will remain vacant, no, instead, new opportunities will emerge and jobs evolve. Consequently, it is crucial for individuals, especially young people, to adapt their skills and educational pursuits accordingly. Relying solely on traditional educational institutions and degrees from universities and colleges of education are no longer sufficient; the young people should explore additional avenues such as short courses and prioritize digital literacy. It is important to identify the skills required for the future and then work backwards to acquire them. Instead of studying subjects that are no longer in demand or will be phased out, young people must ensure they possess a competitive edge. When competing for job opportunities, the distinguishing factor between candidates with the same degree is often the additional skills they possess, such as proficiency in information and communication technology (ICT) or relevant work experience. Recognizing the importance of multiple income streams is crucial for young people. They should consider starting their own businesses, and it is the responsibility of the government to support the growth of micro-enterprises, helping them scale up to become small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This expansion would contribute to job creation, as each enterprise has the potential to employ more individuals, thereby reducing unemployment and underemployment rates within the community
What reforms do you suggest for the youth sector in Nigeria?
Young individuals possess a unique understanding of their peers. Many of them have gained valuable insights through their experiences of travelling and exposure to global practices. It is not about blindly copying or imitating these practices, but rather observing and adapting them to suit the specific circumstances and peculiarities of their own person and country. This adaptation takes into account factors such as population size and the existing skill set for young people. Therefore, it is crucial to give young people a voice and actively involve them in decision-making processes. By doing so, we can tap into their perspectives and benefit from their idea. Again, the continuous training and retraining programs should be implemented, particularly for those responsible for fostering the growth and development of sectors that enable youth to thrive. It is important and should be looked in.
You authored a book ‘40 turning 80’ what is behind it?
Yes, I authored a book called “40 turning 80” when I was about to turn 41. At that age coupled with my involvements, I felt I had experienced the wisdom and challenges of an 80-year-old woman due to the life events I had gone through. I have had conversations with individuals who are far older than myself; but have not encountered a fraction of the experiences that shaped me. These life experiences have profoundly influenced my principles and the person I have become today, and I wanted to share that with a wider audience. Despite being labelled as a “British-Nigerian Girl” born into privilege, I understand that everyone has their own personal stories and struggles, and I wanted to open up about a part of my own backstory. My first book served as a small teaser because I was not sure how it would be received. It was a test to see if I could be embraced as an author. Surprisingly, “40 turning 80” sold over a thousand copies, which made me realize that I could indeed be accepted as a writer. This encouraged me to embark on writing my second book, which will be released soon. The book delves deeper into the topics briefly touched upon in “40 turning 80.” It serves as a guide or mantra, reflecting how I approach and live my own life. Readers may find inspiration in these pages and choose to develop their own guides to navigate their own life journeys
You run a foundation – KAMAF, what is the idea?
I have always harboured a strong desire to establish a foundation that will enable me make a positive impact on people’s lives and that is assisting others at the core of my life’s purpose. I believe that sometimes it is necessary to establish a structured organization to effectively understand how to support individuals in the best possible way anyone could do. And that is exactly why KAMAF was created; to provide a framework for helping others. I am currently working on organizing several events through KAMAF and giving back to society.
Based on the lessons you have learnt, what advice would you give on practice and impacting?
The first lesson would be for them never to allow money be their driving force. Instead, put all the focus on striving for excellence, making a positive impact, and letting the work speak for itself. When the focus gets rife, in most cases, financial success will naturally follow. This principle holds true not only in one’s professional life but also in personal relationships. Again, I would advise not being solely motivated by money, and ensure the connections with partners, friends, family, and even your work are based on more meaningful factors. I understand it may sound cliché, but when it comes to personal relationships, prioritize a foundation rooted in the love of God. You’ll discover that your relationships become more fulfilling when they are built on something greater and more profound than just financial considerations. Even when managing domestic staff within your organization, prioritize their career development and growth as individuals. Occasionally, they may disappoint or let you down, but remember that it’s not solely about them. By investing in others and contributing positively to the universe, you are sowing seeds of positivity that will ultimately be repaid tenfold by the universe. Therefore, believing in one’s self is key. When one truly believe in their abilities, there are no limits to the level of his or her achievements. Yes, I said so because becoming a neurosurgeon may not happen overnight, it is within one’s reach if you choose to pursue it. However, it requires putting in the necessary effort and combining the work with faith in God. Remember, faith alone without corresponding actions is futile. As long as you maintain self-belief, put in the work diligently, strive for excellence, and refrain from being too hard on yourself when faced with failures because it is an integral part of the journey; you will be on the right path. Instead of fixating on the destination, focus on the journey itself. Make each day count and embrace its beauty. Concurrently, endeavor to uplift and develop others as you progress. True power lies in investing in people rather than possessing magical abilities. It is crucial for women and those advocating for gender equality to continue investing in one another. Small individual efforts accumulate to form an ocean. Envision the impact when ten people actively engage in developing others, thereby creating a ripple effect that extends of many others.
I will also advice the young ones to redefine personal development as being synonymous with developing others. It is not solely about improving oneself, but about nurturing and empowering others. By striving to provide others with enhanced knowledge, you inevitably improve your own understanding through increased study. When seeking for better opportunities for others, you also open doors for yourself. Prioritize doing your best for others while disregarding how they may treat you, as their actions are not under your control. Simultaneously, maintain belief in yourself and continue your own personal growth. Don’t settle for just a Bachelor’s degree or an MBA; complement them with additional short courses, as they hold great significance. Never succumb to feelings of inadequacy, as you will encounter situations where people might try to convince you that you are not good enough. Instead of accepting such statements, ask yourself, what can I do to improve myself? Take it as an opportunity to enhance your skills and capabilities.
On Marital bliss
Very personal to me.