Bayo's Story

Adebayo Aniyi, Nigeria

I am Bayo Aniyi, Cohort 12 Fellow from Lead Anglophone West Africa. I am a Nigerian.

The journey towards becoming a Cohort 12 fellow started in November 2006 with a discussion with a Cohort 11 Fellow who as at that time just returned from the international session. Though that was not the first time he would mention this to me, however, on this occasion I got convinced that I have to be a part of the fellowship program.

Cohort 12 fellowship program has expanded my horizon with regards to leadership and environment and the importance of sustainable development. The foundation for the international training session was laid at the national training sessions with the introduction to the issues of environmental sustainable development and leadership.

The ITS is a climax of leadership development. It not only focused on the environment issues of climate change but also Leadership with skills modules that were developed and delivered in very practical simple ways for internalization of the various modules. The use of case studies crowned the process. I wish I had availed myself of this opportunity when I was much younger. Nevertheless I have benefited tremendously to apply the principles in my personal life and work place to positively effect desired changes for leadership and sustainable development.

As a member of the working group 5 on Renewable energy, I was privileged to work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. It was amazing that cross cultural interaction was seamless. It was as if we have been together longer than the ITS period. It was a combination of frank intellectual discussion, interactions and fun. I will not forget how the facilitators and instructors made the whole of the program fulfilling and enjoyable.

The field trip on Renewable energy made me to appreciate how our little efforts at affecting humanity could translate into economic empowerment of the less privilege.

The initiator of the micro-hydro project at Lembang is a good ambassador of LEAD fellow. Not only did her effort make electricity available to the rural community, but they were empowered to generate additional income for self and community development. The level of involvement of the community was well demonstrated by taking personal ownership for the maintenance and security of the project. We were well received by the community.

I will never forget the group preservations that came in different forms and varieties. That of my workgroup, Group 5 presented inform of news, was professionally handed. I was overwhelmed by the kind of ovation received after the group presentation where I was the ‘president’ of my country.

The ITS presented a lot of diverse cultures, well harmonized without any culture being regarded as inferior. We learnt fast from one another. I am trilled by the experience of having to share a room with other participants that are not necessarily from one’s member program.

I have learnt a lot from the sessions. I cannot forget all the experiences. The ITS session at Indonesia is a wonderful experience. More importantly, the fact that I am a proud member of the worldwide organization that is non-discriminatory and non-segregation. LEAD fellowship program is one I will always recommend to all aspiring leaders who have a focus on personal development for positive contribution to local and international community.