Social media is a powerful tool and its opportunities are boundless — Bamidele Olalekan

Beyond being a social media strategist, Bamidele Olamilekan is a certified lawyer. The 25-years-old graduate of Afe Babalola University is equally known for his giving back scheme which includes distributing treated mosquito nets and malaria treatments to the local residents of Makoko community in Lagos. He was also part of the social media campaign team for former President Goodluck Jonathan. In this chat with ROTIMI IGE, he speaks about the problems of Nigerian youths, the power of social media, among other topics.

Why did you decide to study Law?

Life’s experiences basically. I grew up in Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos seeing people harassed on daily basis and nothing was done even before the advent of SARS. I made a personal conviction to ensure justice is done and adequately served.

 What stirred your interest in carrying out philanthropic activities?

My interest in philanthropic activities was stirred from my understanding of what it felt like to not have the resources for basic amenities like drugs, treated nets, amongst other things. Also my belief and faith in the universe.

Joint military exercise shut down activities at Nigerian borders

 What are the highlights of your social activities so far?

My highlights so far would be when myself and my team, through the help of my foundation, provided over 2,000 treated mosquito nets and malaria treatments to the local residents of Makoko community in Lagos, also being on the social media campaign team for the former president Goodluck Jonathan, and assisting digitally with the online campaign of the  current governor of Ondo State,  Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

 What challenges have you encountered and how were you able to overcome them?

There are always challenges in every career field one is involved in. As a lawyer, my biggest challenges are ensuring that justice isn’t delayed, that innocent citizens are not harassed on daily basis. I’ve been able to overcome some of these challenges by educating people through my platform on their rights; how to approach a police officer when accosted, how to ensure your employment isn’t wrongly terminated in your place of work and what to do if that ever happens.

What notable contributions have you made to the social media space in Nigeria?

I helped advocate online the recall of mutilated and damaged N100 notes in Nigeria in May 2018, which garnered media attention with the members of Digital Media Practitioners of Nigeria (DMPN).

I am also legal adviser to a Nigeria-based social media safe use association. I am equally lending my voice and platform to speak against the harsh treatments meted out to young Nigerians based on their look and appearance by some bad eggs in the F-SARS unit.

Does any social medium really ‘empower’ or ‘destroy’ youths?

Well, the truth is social media is a powerful tool and its opportunities are boundless. The effect of social media either to empower or destroy youths is dependent on the side of the ladder you are on. Social media is a tool that could be used to teach and educate a generation and equally be used for better income. However, some use social media platforms as a vehicle to peddle false news or share toxic content.

What do you love most about what you do?

Being a brand influencer, I love the fact that I can always proffer solution to brands issues and help them create strategies that work and convert to sales or awareness. However, as a lawyer, I love how I can help many find solution to contractual relationships gone wrong and help a resolve many issues.

If you were not a lawyer, what would you be doing now?

I would be a travel agent /consultant. I love seeing and trying new places and things. Traveling humbles and exposes us, as we usually experience a small space in the whole universe that we occupy.