Image Text:

MAN IN THE MIRROR: Social worker Yomi Oloko is being the change he wants to see in the world

THERE ARE many reasons why Nigeria has earned the title ‘Giant of Africa’.

From its sheer size – with a population in excess of 170 million it is one of the most populous countries on the continent – to its booming economy, the West African nation has plenty on offer to tempt its vast diaspora into returning home.

In the UK, the British Nigerian community is estimated to be approximately 500,000 including 174,000 who were born in Nigeria, according to the 2011 Census.

And they form a well-educated and professional group. Pupils of Nigerian heritage are among some of Britain’s highest achievers at GCSE and A-level, and hold senior positions across every level of society, from politicians like Chuka Umunna to Chinyere Inyama, who is one of Her Majesty’s coroners.

Now, one man is helping to mobilise the diaspora into relocating to Nigeria to offer vital skills that would assist in the further development of the west African nation. Though Nigeria is tipped as a land of opportunity, thanks to impressive economic predictions and growing industries in fashion, media and music, there is more to be done at a grassroots level.
British-born Yomi Oloko moved to Nigeria a few years ago after working as a social worker for many years.

PASSION

In 2000, the 57-year-old founded Development Impact for Nigeria (DIFN), an organisation that tackles education and health issues by harnessing the passion and knowledge of like-minded professionals.

He said: “I was born in Britain, but I returned to Nigeria at the age of 14 and fell in love with it. I came back to the UK to work, but I always knew I wanted to go back to contribute.

“Many of my Nigerian friends cannot believe that I am here doing this kind of work. In Nigeria, success means making loads of money, becoming a lawyer or doctor or becoming big in business, but that was never something that attracted me.

“It is very fulfilling to be part of uplifting my country. Though I loved my time in Britain, I consider myself a Nigerian through and through.”

DIFN has three main areas of focus, the first of which is supporting orphans and other vulnerable children progress in state-run schools through after-school clubs and summer camps.

Earlier this year, they successfully applied for funding from BBC Comic Relief’s Common Ground Initiative and the UK Government’s Department for International Development [DiFD].

It works exclusively with UK organisations made up of trustees of African heritage with strong emotional, cultural and political links to their country and which can offer a deep understanding of the context in areas where they work.

The £25k grant will fund an “exciting” research project into improving access to education for children with disabilities, ranging from learning difficulties to problems with sight or hearing, and includes teaching parents sign language.

Oloko said: “Recently, we had an occasion where parents were crying because for the first time in their lives they were able to communicate with their child. That really touched me. We take it for granted in the west, but in Nigeria it is not a given that you will be taught that skill.”

Oloko was keen to point out that Nigeria was making small steps towards rights for those with disabilities.

EDUCATION

“Out of 1,100 state-run schools in Lagos, 31 have inclusive units. It’s not enough, but it is a start. Many schools have basic provisions, so we look to see where we can add value. A disability should not prevent a child from getting an education, and grow up to live independently,” he said.

“Of course there are a number of challenges. In a city where there are over 21 million people where two thirds are living in poverty and unable to afford private schools, state-run schools are effectively teaching the poorest of the poor. The schools are under-resourced, and there are between 50 and 70 in a class. The good thing is that all teachers are qualified.”

As a returning resident, Oloko said: “What astonishes me is that when I worked in Britain, I came into contact with a lot of young people who disrespected education, who didn’t understand that it could offer opportunities to change their circumstances. In some schools in Nigeria, children are sitting on the floor and are still passionate about learning.”

One of the key factors to DIFN’s success has been its diaspora volunteering campaign which encourages professionals or young people to come to Nigeria to help in key areas such as teacher training or work that strengthens micro-industries, such as helping women’s groups get into social enterprise.

Oloko added: “Some people arrive in Nigeria and they feel they are somehow special because of the privileges they have enjoyed, but the only way forward is working in partnership and having a respect and understanding for the realities on the ground. You have to be prepared to be led – that is our approach. We ask, ‘what do you need?’ And we try to provide it.”

For further details, please visit www.difn.org.uk