In an exclusive interview with Dr. Kehind Kadijat Kadiri, granted Bayo Speaks as a face of the week. She revealed her way of life, background, career and achievements.

Background Check:

May we get to meet you; who really is Kehind Kadijat Kadiri?

I am a Senior Lecturer in Mass Communication at University of Ilorin. I am also the Founder and Executive Director of The Grassroots Aid Initiative (TGAI), an NGO that uses photography to drive developmental projects that improve the lives of people in grassroots areas.

Can you please tell us about your background?

I am from Ogun State, Nigeria. I am a twin who was born in Lagos into a family of 4 kids. I grew up in Ota, Ogun State. I am practicing Muslim.

Briefly tell us about your educational background?

I did my secondary school at Iganmode Grammar School, Ota, University of Lagos (Bsc Mass Communication), University of Ghana (M.A. Communication Studies), University Utara Malaysia (PhD Communications).

What do you do for a living?

 I am a lecturer.

When did you know you wanted this job?

I got the offer to teach where I did my NYSC in 2006. A year later, I was retained immediately after finishing my NYSC. That was how my career started in academia.

How do you prepare before delivering a lecture?

I read online materials, watch related video tutorials on YouTube, go for relevant seminars and workshops and I observe what is happening within the creative industry that is related to what I am teaching.

What career mistake has given you the biggest lesson?

I didn’t get an academic mentor early enough.

What dream did you have while growing up?

I wanted to be a famous individual working as a radio or TV personnel.

Who is your mentor and why?

I have different mentors for different aspects of life. I have online mentors that I follow on social media and I also have some that I know physically whom I consult whenever I need their advices.

What do you like doing in your spare time?

I love travelling, visiting different tourist centers and art related places, and watching movies

If you could know the absolute and total truth to one question, what question would you ask?

Why are some people so wicked?

If you had to change your name, what would your new name be, and why would you choose that name?

I absolutely love my name and I wouldn’t want to change it for even 1 billion dollars. Kadiri Kehinde Kadijat-KKK; is like a brand name which I hope to nurture to a full-fledged personality brand in future.

What are some of your achievements?

My achievements are numerous. Got about 10 awards in the last 4 years, the most outstanding among them are Ogun State Young Woman Award 2021 and Gani Fawehinmi Outstanding Impact Award of 2019.

What is the biggest challenge to achieving the success?

Patience and managing people.

Are you in a relationship; if yes what advice would you give to young couple out there?

I will advice young people to always love themselves absolutely.

Are you ever depressed and why?

Almost everyone has been depressed at one point or the other in their lives. I manage this through staying close to family members, fasting and praying to God.

What is the biggest risk that you’ve taken?

When my NGO pulled down the house of an old woman in June 2017. The old woman was living in a dilapidated muddy home. My NGO pulled the house down and started building a new home for the old woman. The house was pulled down when we were able to raise just 30% of the budget.

What is your opinion about going to school to get a certificate or just get a trade to be financially literate?

You need knowledge in anything you want to do in life no matter how little the knowledge might be. Go to school, get knowledge, get the prerequisite information which will guide you later in life even if trading will be your chosen career.

Where do you hope to be in the next four years?

I wish to take my NGO to the international limelight by coming up with more life impactful lofty projects, get more relevant certifications in the NGO industry, become a professor and get busy with my family.

To know more about Dr. Kehinde Kadijat Kadiri kindly follow her on Linkedin @Kehinde Kadijat Kadiri