Oyenike Adeleke is a mental health advocate, emotional intelligence coach, founder of Ibadan Entrepreneurial Network and the curator of Largest Gathering of Entrepreneurs in Oyo State (LAGEO). In this interview by ADEWUNMI ADEDAYO, she explained what can be done in these times when the economic situation is affecting everybody, the importance of collaboration among entrepreneurs and how youths should first of all take care of their mental health, among other things. Excerpt:
You are a mental health advocate and an emotional intelligence coach, what does it entail?
Being a mental health advocate, I help people understand and exercise their rights, and ensure their views and preferences are expressed. I listen to people’s views and concerns I help people explore their options and rights without pressuring them. I provide information to help people make decisions. As an emotional intelligence coach, I help people harness and navigate the power of emotions. 80% of our decisions are based on emotions, and if we don’t properly manage our emotions, our lives will be full of regrets, challenges and difficulties. Therefore, I help people to know and manage their emotions.
Going by the tough economic situation in the country, some people now feel suicide is the solution to their problems, so from your professional perspective, how do you think suicide can be stopped?
The economic situation of the country is affecting everybody. Even the rich are crying. But one thing we need to understand is that we need to activate what we call ‘social support’. There are very few mental health advocates and there are too many people who need these services. Therefore, it is time for us to support one another. We need to be there for one another. Help/support can go a long way, and it doesn’t have to be burdensome. Let’s all learn to check up on friends and loved ones, especially when you notice that the person is withdrawing from society, refusing to interact with people and being too quiet. We always advocate that people should speak up, and ask for help, but some people do not know how to do that, so as neighbours, brothers, sisters, and friends we need to look out for one another. We need to provide the necessary help and support we can offer one another and this will help reduce suicide in the society.
Let’s ask people genuine questions like, how are you? Hope you’re fine?
Sometimes, a problem shared is half solved. Not everyone has the capacity and ability to overcome challenges alone, some people need a shoulder to cry on.
If everyone that has committed suicide had someone to talk to or got some level of support or attention from anyone, it could have been avoided. It’s not always about money, something, it’s just about who was there for you when no one was. Who can listen to you, when no one understands you. We need to be there for one another.
You’re also a business consultant, as well as the founder, Ibadan Entrepreneurial Network (IEN). How do you think entrepreneurial endeavours can be promoted among youths instead of them searching for non-existent jobs?
The reason why I started a mental health advocacy platform was because I noticed that a lot of business owners were not doing well in their businesses and it’s not just because they lacked money or strategies to run a business, it’s because the person behind the business is not fine. Entrepreneurship endeavours can be promoted amongst Youths if the person behind the business is mentally, emotionally and socially balanced.
A lot of times, we think its lack of money or lack of expertise that hinders them from doing business or succeeding in business. No, it’s not always about that.
Many times, a person that is not emotionally stable, cannot think, strategise or manage a business well. It will be difficult to attract or retain customers because the ability to do that is not there. The person will find it difficult to see possibilities and embrace them. That’s why, I advocate that we should work on the mental wellness of the youths before they go into business.
I advocate that there should be mental health support platforms for people before they go into business. Starting a business is not an avenue to escape or overcome your troubles, in fact, you should fix your issues before going into business. And if you’re already in business and there seems to be issues all the time, we will need to fix you, before we fix your business.
While entrepreneurship may be the way for the country to go in order to create jobs, the conducive business environment is, however, not there to encourage those with business ideas to have a go for it. Issues with high and multiple taxation, poor electricity supply, among others create challenges for would-be entrepreneurs, what do you think could be done to overcome these hurdles?
We have come to the era of collaboration and not competition. It is for entrepreneurs to learn to harness the power of togetherness. A lot of times we want to be the sole proprietors and the one and only person behind that business. It is time to look for how to share bills, build networks and associations and encourage people to collaborate and work one with the other.
Gone are the days when everyone is an island, it is time to come together and benefit from each other’s strength and opportunities.
There are too many hurdles to cross now. In entrepreneurship, it is time to share bills, share space, share problems and share solutions. No successful business is an island, we need one another to grow. We need social support and help in these times. We have passed the time of “I can do it alone”. Look for responsible, God-fearing people who will not destroy you but build you. If you get the right persons, you will be able to navigate through these times.
Can you share with us about your recent LAGEO event? Its aim and all there is to know.
LAGEO, (Largest Gathering of Entrepreneurs in Oyo State) was birthed to identify, showcase and celebrate entrepreneurs in Oyo State. Various business owners were invited from the 33 local government areas. It was a time to meet and collaborate with one another. We had various representatives from industries, associations and organisations. There were platforms for business collaborations. It was also a platform to collate and synergise a database of entrepreneurs and artisans across all 33 local government areas of the state to efficiently share benefits from the state and federal government meant for entrepreneurs and artisans. We recognise this need and we undertook the noble task of nurturing local businesses, fostering innovation, and providing a platform for businesses to shine. Our collective success hinges on the growth and success of our local businesses.
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