Emmanuel Oluwasegun (He/Him) - CYGEN Member
This blog is part of an in-depth series led by CYGEN and focused on the theme of resilience. Running through the months of September and October, this series will explore various aspects of resilience in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
I still remember the day I decided to embark on a journey as a serial volunteer, driven by a burning desire to make a difference in my community. It was like a spark had been ignited within me, and I couldn't wait to see the impact I could create. Little did I know, the road ahead would be filled with twists and turns that would test my resolve, my courage, and my resilience.
But I didn't let that stop me. Instead, I chose to be curious, to learn from my mistakes, and to keep moving forward. That curiosity led me to connect with like-minded individuals at WeVote Nigeria, an organisation that shared my vision for creating positive change. Together, we implemented projects in my state, and with time, our efforts yielded remarkable results.
My resilience and determination opened doors to new opportunities. I applied for a program and was selected as one of the top 40 community organizers in West Africa, certified by Yiaga Africa and the National Endowment for Democracy in Washington DC.
But that was just the beginning. My resilience has since given me even more opportunities, both locally and internationally, to work with renowned organizations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth Youth Gender Equality Network, and many others. These experiences have not only broadened my horizons but have also equipped me with the skills and knowledge to make an even greater impact.
The recognition has been humbling, with numerous awards and nominations for my work. I've also had the privilege of speaking at various events, sharing my story and inspiring others to embrace resilience. But I must say, it's not about the accolades or the spotlight – it's about the impact we make in our communities.
And I must emphasise that resilience is not a one-time achievement, but a continuous process. There have been times when it seemed like my efforts weren't yielding the desired results, but I chose to go deeper in my commitment rather than giving up. That's the power of resilience – it's the ability to push forward, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.
To anyone facing challenges, I encourage you to embrace resilience. Don't give up, even when it seems like your efforts aren't working. Keep pushing forward, and know that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Remember, resilience is not about being immune to difficulties, but about being brave enough to face them head-on. So, let's cultivate resilience, support one another, and create a ripple effect of positive change in our communities.
About the Author
As a dedicated youth advocate and seasoned community organiser, Emmanuel brings years of experience in youth empowerment, civic engagement, and community development. With a strong background in political science and expertise in NGO management, social movements, and youth development, passionate about building robust democratic institutions, promoting people-centred policies, and fostering active citizenship.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
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