The Root Gazette Africa
Hon. Damilola Sonayon James, a fervent advocate for community development, actively engages in various projects, embodying her deep passion for uplifting localities. Through extensive involvement, she channels her commitment into tangible initiatives, fostering positive change. From grassroots efforts to collaborative projects, DAMILOLA consistently demonstrates a profound dedication to community enhancement. Her multifaceted approach reflects not only a personal commitment but also a vision for sustainable growth. Through these endeavors, she strives to create a lasting impact, empowering communities to thrive. DAMILOLA's unwavering enthusiasm and hands-on involvement exemplify a genuine catalyst for positive change in the realm of community development.
Can we meet you ma?
Who is Hon. Damilola James?
DAMILOLA is a woman who is passionate about community development. I have been involved in a lot of engagements and projects to demonstrate my passion for the community.
I believe community development is our collective responsibility and to achieve a sustainable community, we need to empower and enlighten community residents with the right skills and support they need to effect the change we hope to see in our community.
Leaders need to focus more on inclusion in leadership.
When leaders are inclusive, it creates a more diverse and inclusive community that will benefit everyone. Inclusive leaders possess a range of qualities that make their leadership effective and collaborative such as Humility, active listening, effective communication skills and target driven basically decision making is a collective responsibility of everyone
You can’t lead people to a destination they know nothing about, your objective must be clear and achievable. Therefore you need the buy-in of all recipients.
Can you elaborate on your community development projects and initiatives that have showcased your commitment to nation-building, particularly in the context of empowering women and youth in Lagos/ Badagry?
I have done a lot in this regards from helping young people to incubate ideas and also to thrive through entrepreneurship skills development, shared networks and Mentorship
As per women, I have supported a lot of women initiatives that give women the platform to thrive and a voice. I also have a sharing life lessons initiative where we gather as women to unburden and encourage one and other based on our individual experiences just to reduce the risk of repeating negative Patterns.
In the realm of leadership prowess, could you share a specific instance or project where you effectively engaged with the Badagry citizens, keeping them informed and involved in your leadership initiatives for the benefit of the community?
Dialogue has always been my method of leadership.. I don’t believe in taking a decision on behalf of the people I am responsible for, I believe in consulting and allowing them to come up with the most suitable solution by themselves. As a supervisor in charge of youth. All youth programs this year were organized by the youth themselves, all I do as a supervisor is to support them and also ensure the council management approves their budget and I monitor the process and outcomes, for example our visit to the security officials around the Owode and Seme axis were championed by the youth I just supported their vision to materialize and I also followed through the process.
We need to give youth an enabling platform to thrive. Educate, Empower and Engage 3E’s
While women, we need to promote gender balance and diversity, women and men should be viewed as equal contributors in leadership and governance. We need to intentionally encourage women participation in political and public roles such as women in executive government positions, national Parliament and local Government leadership. This will give them a platform to build their connection, capacity and confidence ( the 3C’s ) to achieve sustainable development by 2030.
Where do we hope to find Damilola Sonayon James in the future to come?
Hmmm I see Damilola James representing the great people of her community on a bigger platform where she can showcase the strength and resilience of the Badagry girl child who dared to dream.
Sustainable development goals by 2030,Or rather to achieve a sustainable community.
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The Root Gazette Africa