My Chevening journey towards social impact

There is a fire within me, an overwhelming excitement that bubbles up as I make to share my Chevening story. It’s a description of my journey through the realms of humanitarian development, social justice, and community building, and the unshakeable hope that this journey is set to deepen my knowledge and to give back to my communities even more profoundly.

While I may not be the most enthusiastic about writing, I am motivated to share my Chevening story in writing. My journey towards social impact officially began when I graduated from the University of Benin (first degree) in 2007, I embarked on a life-changing adventure to Northern Nigeria, specifically Yobe state, as part of my compulsory one-year service to the nation through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

As a fresh law graduate, the conventional route for me was to join the NYSC legal aid group, which seemed like a natural choice given my educational background. However, fate had other plans for me, as I was inexplicably drawn to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Community Development Service (CDS) group, now Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It didn’t take long for me to realize that I had found my way into true purpose. The MDG service group sparked a flame within me, igniting my innate interest in humanitarian service. Here, I found a calling that transcended the boundaries of a traditional legal career. It was in the heart of Yobe state that I began to see the immense potential for positive change through community engagement, development, and social impact.

As a child growing up during oppressive military regimes in Nigeria, I witnessed firsthand assaults on human rights, flagrant disregard for the dignity of citizens, and systemic exclusion that gradually became the norm! From that point, I had nursed a form of holy anger, which would later manifest in several ways, including in my life choices, career paths, and everyday dealings. Those early childhood experiences and stories of my father, mother, and the community of people around me touched me deeply, and I became determined to be effectively equipped to use my education and skills to make a difference in the lives of those who needed it most. More than 3 decades later, I can only be grateful that I haven’t deviated from that path.

Those experiences marked the beginning of my journey, one that I embarked upon with unwavering dedication. The desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who needed it most led me to seek further education and professional opportunities in development and human rights.

In the last one year, I became somewhat restless, rethinking ways to discharge my passion more effectively. I was faced with situations that made me think… “there has to be more we can do!’’

One of the most transformative moments in my journey was the realization that change was possible, even in the face of adversity. Beyond isolated and synergized initiatives to meet the everyday needs of citizens and communities, I believe that it is not only important but highly expedient to address systemic maladjustments and holistic development, as we call it.

Fast forward to today, I find myself on a new chapter of my journey – as a Chevening scholar, with an invaluable opportunity to enhance my knowledge and skills in the field of development, with an even more robust opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from around the world, all driven by a shared commitment to creating positive change in our various homelands and on a global scale. I stand on the precipice of a new chapter in my journey, my Chevening journey.

To learn that Chevening received a total of 70, 930 applications from 160 countries, with 14,700 coming from Nigeria alone, made me even more grateful when I received the news about being one of the 44 scholars chosen! This route, my afro consciousness, my Chevening scholarship, and all the in-betweens are nowhere near accidental! My steps were clearly orchestrated, even when I had no clue what the next step might be.

Off I go now, to enrich my knowledge as I study for an MSc in Development Studies at the prestigious University of London. I was drawn by the critical curriculum of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), and I am particularly interested in its decidedly cultural context.
Aderonke Ige a lawyer and development advocate, now a Chevening Scholarship (PG) Student of SOAS, University of London.

With each passing day since I was chosen for Chevening, I have been acutely aware of the enormous responsibility that comes with this opportunity. My hope is to deepen my knowledge and expertise, to delve into the intricacies of humanitarian development and social justice, and to equip myself with the skills necessary to bring about lasting change and positive impact.

At this point, it is only right to appreciate everyone who was part of the process – my support system! Those who played roles that they had no idea they were even playing!

My dear friend Nura Ali, whom I call my personal hand-holder. Nura’s unflinching FAITH in me, backed up by her unwavering friendship and support, is beyond inspiring, and for this, my gratitude is unending!

Oluseun Abimbola SAN, my big brother in whom I am well pleased. No time is too early or too late for me to call on this extremely busy gentleman for guide or counsel. He has such wide arms and the right words for every situation.

Professor Oluyemisi Bamgbose, for whom I have no sufficient words but endless gratitude for seeing the fruits in me even when all I saw was a seed. Uli Thum remains one of those professional friends you meet once in your journey, and they remain in your story forever. Thank you so much, Uli!

My dear comrade and friend, Tunji Buhari, whose ears would not get tired of listening to rants and lamentations until they become ideas and solutions!

My fellow CIVICUS consultant-turned-brother and Chevening Scholar Kenneth Gyamerah for never getting tired of answering my numerous questions! Kenneth’s gentle words provided more illumination than I imagined on this journey.

My cheerleader sister, Joke Akinsanmi, who draws good fortune towards me with her inexhaustible goodwill. Thank you so much for offering your ears when I terribly needed an outlet. My prayer-pillar brother, Dayo Ige, doing heavy-liftings behind the scenes, and my physical warrior and brother, Deji Ige, who would go any length to stand up for me and worry my worriers! I owe this to you all.

To all the communities of women, children, and men whose lives I have been a part of in almost two decades of community building, I stand grateful for the privilege to wave wands and speak truth to power at crucial moments.

My deep gratitude to my colleagues and comrades at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), led by Akinbode Oluwafemi. This story would be incomplete without you all.

Finally, to the one person I know would have been over the moon about this feat, were he alive: Rev. Fr. Ezekiel Ade Owoeye, my firm and grounded director at JDPC Ibadan. This is for you! Continue to rest in peace.

I yearn to return to my communities, equipped with additional knowledge and fresh perspectives, as I envision a future where I can contribute even more effectively, where my actions resonate deeper and impact more lives. I want to be a catalyst for change, an advocate for social justice, and a builder of stronger, more resilient communities. As I take these steps forward, I carry with me the wisdom of the past, inspiration from the future, and the unwavering belief that together, we can make the world a better place.

In the end, I am not only excited to share my Chevening story; I am excited to live it to the fullest: to learn, to grow, and to return home with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to give back even better.

As the adage goes, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. I am THAT ‘child.’
Aderonke Ige a lawyer and development advocate, now a Chevening Scholarship (PG) Student of SOAS, University of London.