Affiliations Committee/Candidates/2024/Royalesignature

Salako Lukman Olamilekan (Royalesignature)

Royalesignature (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)

Preferred name	Salako Lukman Olamilekan
What languages do you speak, and at what fluency level? (Please include your English proficiency.)	English (Proficient), Yoruba (Native), Arabic (Basic),Hausa (Basic)
What region(s) of the world do you have experience with, and what kind of experience do you have? (“Experience” can mean you have lived or worked there or are currently living or working there; you’re familiar with the culture and language; etc.)	Throughout my life, I've had the privilege of living and working in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Nigeria, where I've gained extensive experience. As an educator and activist, I've worked across various diversities and languages, engaging with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. My experience as a serial volunteer for Rotary International organizations and my leadership roles in Rotaract Club of Offa Metropolitan and Offa Youth Impact Initiative have deepened my understanding of the region's cultural nuances. I've developed a rich cultural competence, enabling me to effectively navigate and appreciate the diversity of the region. As a practicing teacher for over a decade, I have taught in different schools across the state, interacting with students and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, I have visited neighboring states within Nigeria to explore and learn about different cultures. My academic background in Social Studies has also equipped me with a deep understanding of the region's social and cultural landscape.
What Wikimedia project(s) do you actively edit? And in what language(s)?	I am an active editor on the English Wikipedia, where I have created over 70 articles and made more than 2,000 edits. While English Wikipedia is my primary focus, I also contribute to other Wikimedia projects, including English Wikiquote, Wikiversity, Wikidata, and Wikimedia Commons. Additionally, I have translated some articles into local languages spoken in Nigeria. I am honored to have been recognized as the Editor of the Month by the Wikimedia Nigeria User Group on English Wikipedia for October 2024, which reflects my commitment to the movement and the English Wikipedia community.
What affiliate(s) are you actively involved with? In what capacity are you involved? Do you serve in a leadership role or have you in the past?	I'm actively involved with several affiliates, including the Wikimedia Nigeria User Group and Yoruba Wikimedia Nigeria User Group, where I serve as a member and have participated in many contests. As an event organizer, co-organizer, and facilitator for WikiClimateCampusTour Nigeria, I have helped drive engagement and growth. Additionally, I voluntarily assist in grooming new members, contributing to the affiliate's work as an active member. My involvement with Rotary International organizations has been longstanding, with leadership roles in Rotaract Club of Offa Metropolitan and Offa Youth Impact Initiative. As the founder of Offa Youth Impact Initiative, an NGO promoting education, cultural preservation, and empowering the young generation, I have broadened my understanding of the region's cultural dynamics. I also serve as the Director of Public Relations for the Nigeria Environmental Society, Kwara State Chapter. Furthermore, I'm a co-founder of Summit University Offa Wikimedia Team, I'm an active board member of Rotaract District 9126, Zone 1, and previously served as the District 9125 board member and Content Creator during the Rotary Hope Year
Have you served on any committees (movement-related or otherwise)? And what was your role on the committee(s)?	Yes, I have served on several committees, both within the Wikimedia movement and beyond. For instance, I was a member of the planning committee for WikiClimateCampusTour Nigeria, helping organize events and activities for the Wikimedia Nigeria User Group. Additionally, I served as a research assistant at Summit University Offa. As the founder of Offa Youth Impact Initiative, I led various projects focused on education, cultural preservation, and youth empowerment, and we won several grants to support our work. I also serve as Director of Public Relations for the Nigeria Environmental Society, Kwara State Chapter, developing strategies for environmental awareness and outreach. Furthermore, I'm the president-elect for the Rotaract Club of Offa Metropolitan RID 9126. Notably, I have organized several national-level events, frequently leading teams of up to 100 individuals while conducting large-scale events. Through these experiences, I have developed strong collaboration, communication, and leadership skills, contributing my skills and expertise to drive progress and achieve committee goals
Please describe any experience you have with conflict resolution and/or consensus building.	I have gained valuable experience in conflict resolution and consensus building through my involvement in peace and conflict prevention initiatives. Notably, I led a project titled "The Peace and Empathy Bridges: Bridging Divides in Conflict Resolution" in July 2024, organized by the India Rotary Club. This project aimed to equip participants with effective conflict resolution skills and build harmonious relationships. As the project lead, I organized a Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Management Workshop, which covered essential topics and activities. These included training sessions, awareness campaigns, peer mentorship programs, and collaborative initiatives. The workshop was made possible through the sponsorship of the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund and LEAP Africa, in partnership with Summit University, Offa, Al for Females in STEM, and RAC OFFA METRO CB. Through this experience, I developed strong skills in conflict resolution, consensus building, and project management. I successfully brought together diverse stakeholders, facilitated engaging discussions, and helped participants develop practical tools for effective conflict resolution. I am confident that these skills will enable me to make a positive impact in future endeavors
In your ideal world, what does the affiliate model and ecosystem look like?	In my ideal world, affiliates are fully integrated into the movement ecosystem, eliminating missed opportunities and strife caused by a lack of understanding. Transparency and shared resources are essential, ensuring that affiliates showcase their work and opportunities. This fosters connectivity and intermingling, enabling editors to leverage resources and amplify their impact. Volunteers and editors are vital, and continuous efforts should build their capacity and knowledge. New affiliates should be supported, and existing ones should collaborate without hierarchical concerns. Advocacy, support, and celebration are crucial, recognizing the value of affiliates in empowering diverse voices and promoting decentralization. Affiliates should focus on local needs, develop tailored solutions, and increase diversity in decision-making processes to ensure equity and inclusivity.
In your ideal world, what are AffCom’s roles and responsibilities in relation to the movement and affiliates?	In my ideal world, the Affiliations Committee (AffCom) focuses less on the public face of the movement and more on harnessing its soft power. While recognizing and derecognizing affiliate status is crucial, it's not the most critical aspect of our work. As the strongest volunteer body with direct access to the Wikimedia Foundation, AffCom plays a vital role in guiding the movement's strategy. We can share resources, best practices, and facilitate local collaboration beyond official recognition. AffCom serves as a bridge between affiliates and the movement, making recommendations for approval, recognition, and conflict resolution. Our core mission is to empower individuals to excel, connecting them with resources, experiences, and partnerships. We can achieve this through the affiliate model, recognizing groups working in the interest of Wikimedia projects.
What role within AffCom are you most interested in: advisory or voting member?	Voting