The Urgent 2k Campaign: Small Change, Big Impact

There is a world outside of the confines of your immediate environment. Be the very best that you can be, then go out and help people.

The Urgent 2k Campaign: Small Change, Big Impact

Meet Solomon Eneojo, a dedicated Nigerian youth corps member, 2024 Batch A, who made a lasting impact during his service year in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

While serving as a teacher at a local secondary school in Ebonyi, he came across some primary school children who lacked some basic school supplies that hindered their learning experience. His heart was drawn to them.

Driven to make a difference, Solomon launched his “Urgent 2k” campaign, a personal community development project aimed at providing essential materials for these children. Through his tireless efforts, he successfully raised over ₦700,000.

With these funds, Solomon was able to purchase vital school items, including bags, for the children. His selfless initiative has significantly improved their learning experience and inspired a brighter future for the children.

In this inspiring interview with TheDiadem Magazine, Solomon shares his experiences from his mission to make a positive impact in the lives of children at Ebonyi State during his service year.

DCM: If you were to paint a picture of yourself, what colours would you use, and what would be the title of that masterpiece? In other words, who is Solomon Eneojo?

Solomon: Purple is definitely that colour. It is not my favourite colour, but its significance holds sway in the perception I have of myself. It is the colour of royalty. And that is exactly how I see myself – royalty. It is why my sobriquet is HRH. So, yes, Solomon Eneojo is royalty.

DCM: Can you share your experience as a youth corps member in Ebonyi and tell us more about what inspired you to embark on this ‘urgent 2k’ personal community development program?

Solomon: There is obviously a lot to say as regards my experience in Ebonyi state. I will sum it up as a change in perspective, especially considering the state I came from – Lagos. It is a completely different world out there, and unless you step out from your immediate confines, you never will know. (And just maybe it is fine to never know).

As regards my inspiration for the campaign, I am a lover of children and education. I like to think my passion revolves around Leadership, Education, Children, and of course, my beloved team, Arsenal. The dejected state in which I saw the children of the school when I was there, broke my heart. There was no way I could just leave them. Children came to school barefoot – without sandals, bags, and writing materials. I just knew I had to do something. My heart would not let me rest.

The Urgent 2k Campaign: Small Change, Big Impact

DCM: Could you tell us more about the pressing challenges you noticed in the educational system in Nigeria?

Solomon: There are a million and one pressing challenges I noticed in the educational system in Nigeria. However, I must state that it is not just within the confines of the educational system, it trickles down to the different systems of the country generally.

In Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, food is on the basic level. How do you expect children who have not eaten to focus in class? Now, this is the economic system. They are all intertwined.

With particular reference to the educational system, there is a lack of passion for the system across all boards. You must also understand that sometimes, passion will not bring food to the table. This lack of passion has led to an utter downgrade of the educational system. I could mention the norm: lack of infrastructure, archaic curriculum, epileptic teaching style, absence of passionate teachers, etc. It really is a lot.

The Urgent 2k Campaign: Small Change, Big Impact

DCM: What policies do you think can be put in place to tackle those challenges? And how can more individuals and parents tackle it for the sake of the children who are our future?

Solomon: The economic situation of the country plays a huge role in the way the educational system is structured. A passionate teacher has to feed his family. Passion will not feed his family, at least, maybe not at the start. The government has to put measures in place for people to be paid handsomely for their work.

Also, there has to be a rewiring of our society. “School na scam” is a devilish statement that has broken through the minds of our children, and we need to sensitize them. To do this, we need to resuscitate the reading culture. Build libraries in the communities. Just as there are primary healthcare centres in local government areas, there ought to be libraries as well. Encourage a reading culture amongst children. Promote educational programmes. Handsome rewards should be given to winners, not peanuts.

One major problem is the lack of passionate teachers. And as I have mentioned, I believe this is tied to the economic situation of the country. Pay teachers well. They help to form the bedrock of the society. There really is so much to say.

There ought to be a complete change of curriculum. The syllabus that is run in the country is archaic and not in tune with the times we are in. We ought to be prioritising the use of AI and high-quality tech infrastructures in our schools. We are still grappling with chalkboards and dusters and archaic teaching styles. We have to grow with the times.

Individuals and Parents have a role to play in ensuring that children go to school, and stay in school. I am passionate about education because my father paid the price and ensured that we all are educated. He set the pace for us, and we have taken on the baton.

The family is the first point of the child. Parents need to train their children to understand the importance of education in their lives.

The Urgent 2k Campaign: Small Change, Big Impact

DCM: What were some of the challenges you faced during the campaign, and how did you overcome them?

Solomon: I am not sure I had so many challenges during the campaign. Two things, however, come to mind – funding and the NYSC process. In terms of funding, one would think that 2k is a meagre sum to give out. It was during the campaign I learnt otherwise. It is also why I am immensely grateful to everyone who was a part of the campaign. If anyone gives you their money, no matter how “small” it is, they truly love you.

I sent out countless numbers of BCs. I reached out to a few individuals as well. And, by God’s grace, it all worked out.

As regards the NYSC scheme, I like to think that the process of carrying out a personal CDS project can be less rigorous and much more seamless for the corps member. You are stretched beyond words, just because you want to help the immediate community get better. In the end, you might even become frustrated and wonder why you started it all in the first place.

I am thankful for the support system I have, the people I call “the gift of men”, and also the vision. It was never about any other thing but helping the children. This was paramount in my mind. And, thankfully, I overcame. Never lose sight of the vision. Never. You know why you started out in the first place. Dig your heels in and stand firm till the very end.

The Urgent 2k Campaign: Small Change, Big Impact

DCM: What were some of the most significant lessons you learnt from this experience?

Solomon: The lessons I learnt from this experience. Hmmm. People are going through a lot. This is why I summed up my Ebonyi experience as a change in perspective. The things you deem basic are not at all basic to some people. As a matter of fact, if they have those things you term as basic, they have life already.

Also, get started. Whatever dream you have, get started. Do not try to figure it all out at once. As you move, the picture gets clearer.

The gift of men. If you are going to excel in any project at all, you need people – people who understand the vision and are willing to give their all for it. I am blessed to have such people.

DCM: What advice would you give other youth corps members or individuals looking to make a positive impact in their communities?

Solomon: When I first saw this question, the answer that came to mind was “Do not do it.” Lol. I believe that came because of the stress I had gone through in carrying out this project. However, nothing worth doing comes easy.

If you have a burning desire to impact the lives of people in your immediate community, please, do it. The joy and the fulfilment you get ‘trumps’ all bids of stress. Pray. Plan. Have people – this is very, very important. You cannot do it alone. There is absolutely nothing as “self-made.” Never forget the vision. Never.

DCM: Would you love to give a special shoutout to people who have played a supportive role in this project?

Solomon: Oh, absolutely! First off, I like to give a shout-out to everyone who believed in me and trusted me with their money. For people to have given their own money, and they completely trusted me to get the project done, I am immensely grateful. God bless you all.

 Of course, specific people who helped out with the project: Anita (Accountant), Stanley (Graphics Designer), Oluchukwu (Video Editor), Efe, Dolapo, Dami (All-round asset), Werimenesougha (Welfare), Yemi and Mary (Photographers/Videographers), Fiolato (Special Adviser), Funmi (Logistics). All the corps members who helped me out on the day of the event. I am grateful to you all.

Special shout-out to my family members who kept praying and encouraging me all through the campaign. Also, worthy to mention: Favour Igboanugo, IBF Prayer Community, and Elizabeth Olawale. Thank you. God bless you all!

The Urgent 2k Campaign: Small Change, Big Impact

DCM: At TheDiadem Magazine, we love testimonies. Could you share with us that memorable testimony of God’s grace and faithfulness in your life, academics or service year?

Solomon: The success of the project in itself is a huge testimony. From absolutely nothing to raising almost a million naira, to help put smiles on the faces of 250 children, and even teachers. That is a big testimony, and I am grateful to God for holding my hands throughout the campaign.

DCM: Any other final words you would love to share with our audience?

Solomon: There is a world outside of the confines of your immediate environment. Be the very best that you can be, then go out and help people. Together, we all can make the world a better place and make life a lot easier for the other person.

Also Read: Zero Hunger In Nigeria Is Possible – Diademng