Adenike Akinsemolu

Adenike Adebukola Akinsemolu is a Nigerian Environmental sustainability advocate, educator, author and a social entrepreneur.Adenike Adebukola Akinsemolu is a Nigerian sustainability advocate, educator, author, and a social entrepreneur. She is a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University (Adeyemi College Campus). She is known as one of the country's leading experts on environmental sustainability.

Akinsemolu founded the Green Campus Initiative, which became the Green Institute. She founded the Girl Prize which provides financial and mentorship support for young Nigerian secondary school girls.

Akinsemolu has received the Robert Bosch Stiftung Award and the Nigeria Energy Award.

She is an author of papers published in academic journals, including on the role of microorganisms in achieving sustainable development goals.

Quotes

• There is nothing bad in adopting a new culture but when you see nothing good in your own culture and thinks the other culture is the norm, then something is wrong. I call it slavery of the mind.
  • Embracing one's culture (21 April 2009)

• Your identity is your identity. It is what makes you special. Don’t be trapped by Mental Colonialism.
  • Quoted from one of her writings titled Mental Colonialism (2009)

• Climate change is a moral issue. It is not just science.
  • View of climate change (5 June 2017)

• We should care the most about the environment. That’s what the green on our flag symbolizes.
  • Environment as a whole (2017)

• ....However, that should not stop us from doing our part. This planet is ours. When it thrives, we do the same.
  • Symbiotic relationship between humans and planet

• For me, it involves connecting more with nature. Going outside and stepping into nature. Experiencing its beauty and its importance. It is only when we appreciate alluring essence of Mother Nature, then, together, we would have the urge to make our planet great again.
  • Endeavours in connecting with nature

• Do not let the hardships take away your basic rights. Nature is closer than you think.
  • World Environment Day 2017: Our World is Going Mad by Adenike Akinsemolu

• A healthy environment is vital for a healthy existence, and I wanted us to aspire to make our environment better for us and the generations to come.
  • Her reply when asked what it is about the work she's doing that’s disruptive (2020)

• At that moment, it struck me that one single act can make an impact in the world.
  • What she has learnt so far from one of her mentors

• I realized that indeed it’s a small world after all, and one must learn the art of fostering relationships for you never know whose help you might need.
  • Sharing what she has gotten along her journey so far

• Human relationships are not a zero-sum game if we need to be truly honest. We should often create a platform for negotiation and understand how to improve in our relationship.
  • Speaking during an interview

• The gift of life comes but once, and you have in a lifetime to accomplish all your dreams, visions, goals, and ambitions unapologetically. Remember, happiness comes in the fulfillment of these dreams, visions, goals, and ambitions.
  • Relationship between life and happiness

• Just start with what you have, and do it. Dreams begin from where you start. Even though ideas could be overwhelming and vague, unless you start with what you have and where you are, you may never clinch your aspirations.
  • Advice on any start up

• Environmental studies could be seen as an autonomous discipline, yet to get the best out of it, a multidisciplinary approach must be applied.
  • Speaking during an interview with Nigeria Tribune (23 June 2020)

• Aside from being custodians of the environment, youths should understand the imminent threat of climate change on their collective futures. To manage what is unavoidable (adaptation) and avoid what is unmanageable (mitigation), youths must prioritise environmental studies as fundamental to their education.
  • The reason studying of the environment should be a priority for young people

• When we become conscious of reducing waste from kitchens to households, and on the streets, it is only then they will realise the health, environmental and economic benefits of waste management.
• Nigeria's approach to waste management (2020)

• Global challenges like the coronavirus pandemic are real and should not be seen from a nationalistic perspective. While the coronavirus reminds us how fragile and unprepared we might be, the efforts deployed on a daily basis serve as a reminder of what we’re capable of when we work together towards a common goal.
  • Main takeaway from 2017 World Environment Day event (2020)

• Life is not a ten-speed bike where you can change to different gears and request for a spare.
  • How she sees life (2020)

• The younger generations are agents of change and a bridge to a better future. This indeed is how I plan to shake things up- by equipping budding leaders with the requisite tools for growth.
  • How she intends to equip young people

• Always keep in mind that some fellows will hold you in derision on your march towards progress, but don’t let it sway you....
  • What to always know and understand always

• Life is like a relay race; visions and dreams don’t die. They are handed down to the next generation to run with...
  • How she intends to shake things up (5 August 2020)

• Everything happens for a reason, and there is a premeditated arrangement for things that are and things that shall be.
  • Her life lesson from the quote; Nothing in life is a coincidence