MEET GBADEGESIN OYEWOLE ALAWODE
Gbadegesin is the Founder/CEO of HYTEM LTD, a development social enterprise focused on generating and implementing bold ideas towards improving the health systems-through sustainable policies, research and technological innovation. At the heart of his work is the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 that provides a framework to accelerate impact in the lives of poor and vulnerable most especially in developing countries. He pairs extensive knowledge in public health, technology and entrepreneurship expertise to impact the world for good. He has special interest in politics, policy making and research as they intersect to promote good governance and enhance the socioeconomic status of the poor.
Gbadegesin was born in Ibadan and raised by a single mother. He could have ended up on the street if not for the positive influence of his mother who made sure he saw the four walls of the University. This humble background fueled his passion for community service- wanting to help and liberate children and communities prone to hardship and poor health. This led him to start his community/volunteering experience at the age of 18 when he joined the “Youth Rescue Club” of Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), Ibadan, Nigeria. During this period, he built confidence, discovered himself and learnt how he could identify and solve social problems within his community. He was trained as a Youth peer educator on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, HIV//AIDS, contraceptive use coupled with diverse life building skills. He worked with young people from various poor communities to improve access to correct information on Sexual Reproductive Health and Right as well as build their capacity/skills to make informed and healthy choices.
As a 2016 Women Deliver Youth Scholar, he organized a step down advocacy training on Sustainable Development Goals and Deliver4Good investment case centered around Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for over 500 secondary school students. He believes young people need to own and be part of the implementation and evaluation of the SDGs if we are to make any significant progress by 2030.
Recently, he was a finalist for the 2018 British Council Future Leaders Connect, Nigeria where he championed global policy solutions to achieve the Universal Health Coverage by 2030 and expand access to quality and affordable healthcare for the millions of poor and vulnerable people.
Gbadegesin, envisions a world where everyone regardless of their socioeconomic background, tribe or colour will be able to live a healthier, productive and prosperous life.
Well done Gbadegesin!We celebrate you and the great work you are doing.
Long-term they intend to collaborate with partners who have the same objectives as Hema in bridging health gaps, especially in marginalized communities. They also intend to promote maternal and child health through health talks, nutrition camps, water and sanitation programs.
As we move on in the 21st century, there are issues around Gender and Development that need more attention and deeper interrogation. It is obvious that there is inadequate involvement of youths and because of these there is sustainability risk in the struggle and emancipation of women and this makes the intergenerational linkage very weak.
Samuel Onyemachi is a Teens/ Youth counselor/Life coach, a business developer/ Marketing expert and business consultant with the Principal of SENSE Leadership Academy. He is also the CEO of Psalmz Consulting .
