A day with the Youth Advocate & Educator Hon. Adewale Adeogun

Hon. Adewale Adeogun from the Ministry of Education, Lagos State of Nigeria shares his thoughts and views in his own words.

Could you please describe yourself in your own words?

I am a realist with passion, vision with a mission which is to succeed in whatever I believe in.

We know that you are a successful educator; please tell us what and who inspired you?

I was Inspired by the simple fact that I will always run and be far away from anything that would make me to be called a Failure. And I equally remain motivated by the simple fact that it has been 'so far so good'

What is success to you, and would you like to show and give the young ones the key to the doors of success?

Success to me is creating a platform that will make you to be at your best at all times and leaving an occasion better than the way you met it. There are lots of vacuum between our generation and this one therefore it is my wish to help to bridge the gap by linking the two with practical examples and demonstrations.

You have been impacting black community , your voice has been heard in so many platforms; please tell us what  you have done so far and what are your plans for the future?

I have tried to be practical in whatever I do and equally live by modest example. I have tried to bring some programmes which to some certain extend could be said to be primitive but we can't continue to run away from realities. For example if we  want to remain as a race, we must go back to Agriculture to avoid Famine in future and the kids should be involved in other to create an enabling environment for there future. The Future is bright if we could bridge the gap between the past and the present. My plan for the future is to see the impact of what we are doing today in a positive manner. 

Do you thing that the crisis in Europe and other parts of the world will eventually   have great effect on Africa economy?

Definitely, crisis in any part of the world will have great effect on the other areas of the world as there will be migration. Most African living in Europe are doing so because of the better management of the Economy, any reverse of the situation will see the mass return of African back home which will automatically increase the poverty lives that is already prevalent in the African Continent. It equally include Unemployment which could lead to Crimes and other social vices.
Do you think the Black people have sufficient opportunity in Europe, and is anything keeping us behind as a race?

I still have the belief that home is home. If our Governments in Africa can make use of our God's given opportunities, Africa Continent are blessed with Human and materials resources that can make us surpass the Europeans or even American Countries but because of our bad Management, the economy had remain comatose that we now rely on Foreign Countries for almost all our daily requirements as a race. I think if things are properly managed down here in Africa nothing except Greed could still keep us there in Europe. Take for example the Economy in Ghana couple with their security situations, Ghanians are now returning home to contribute to the Economy of that country and I hope countries like Nigeria and other African countries could improve on time so that we can again be proud of our Race.

What do you think the Blacks in Europe should do better, so that one day we will have another ‘Obama’ in Europe?

We have most Blacks who are doing well in Europe based on their wealth of experience. Some have established themselves and are contributing positively into the Economy over there. Most of these are shining examples and Ambassadors of the Black Race in these countries. The Miss Black Europe Project is a nice initiative by African for Africans in Europe and I think project like this and other similar should be encourage by Africans both at home and in the diaspora. It increases our respect in the eyes of the Europeans, it also add values to our Race because Black Is Better And Beautiful. With these various initiatives and developments, Africans could continue to rule the World just like President Barrack Obama.  

What is your advice to the authorities in Nigeria as per security?

We have almost lost our values as a Nation, until the Government could be able to provide the basic necessary Amenities for its citizens, create more job opportunities, reduce Corruptions, and bring good governance to people, it might be difficult to eradicate poverty which in most cases lead to insecurity. An Idle hand is the Devil's workshop.

Where would you like to reside permanently in the future, even though we know that you are an International man?

I still prefer to remain as an African, living in Africa and doing everything possible to see that we improve on our Values. Of course if there is any opportunity for me to work for Africa in the Diaspora, that won't be a bad Idea but it should have an Africa Interest. Remember once again that Home Is Home.

For few readers that don’t know you, what would you like them to know about you and to always remember you for?

I want to be remembered for my practical approach in impacting knowledge to the young generations. For example I have return practical teaching of Agriculture in all the Schools under my care, every child now is encouraged to develop their talents in ( Sports, Dancing, Reading, Farming, Voluntary Organisations etc ) because I believe all kids can not learn the same and at the same pace. So many programmes that could develop the children have been reintroduced into our basic Schools.

This has actually shown in the current ratings of my schools in recent times by both Local, State and the Federal Educational Authorities. From the 18th Position out of 20 Local Governments in Lagos when I took this appointment in 2010 to the best in Nigeria presently, I think the future is bright if given the opportunity to move on. I will equally advice the policy makers to always put round peg in round hole. I thank my people for the opportunity given me to prove myself in the field where my passion reside.  I have won most of the Laurels available in our Categories. As I speak with you I have received about Sixty different Awards from both Local, National and International Organisations within this short period of my Stewardship. I want to give thanks to the Almighty God, My Political and Community Leaders, My Family, My Staff, My Friends and above all My wonderful School Pupils who are the direct beneficiaries of our various Innovative. 
Thank you all.