Meet Emmanuel Zakari

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Emmanuel Zakari. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Emmanuel below.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m not the random guy. I am the guy. Sometimes I find it difficult to simplify my life. let me try again from my last attempt. I am a creative youth leader, poet and content creator. As a creative youth leader, I am the founder and Executive Director of The Udama Unity Organization aka Udama 4 Africa. a youth-led organisation working at the intersection of civic engagement, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) gender and climate. where we use digital solutions, creative arts and research to empower marginalized communities in Nigeria and Africa. Before Udama 4 Africa I had the honour of leading Nigeria’s fastest creative youth community called the ARTvocacy Movement where I ensured my leadership prowess scaled the movement to tremendous heights. carrying out impactful projects that leverage creative art to address social justice issues in Nigeria. securing partnerships. As a creative, I am a spoken word Poet using poetry to speak up about social justice issues in Nigeria. Some of the issues dear to my heart include but are not limited to meaningful youth participation in civic engagement, feminism, girl child education, gender, climate, and strong institutions. One thing I can do effortlessly when you wake me up is to address a crowd or recite a spoken word piece.

I work in the impact development space with a background that spans 7 years. I have always loved to reach out and do community service. This is something I feel I was born into. My elder siblings all are serial volunteers. I started with the Community of Sant Egidio, a catholic faith-based non-profit organization in my local church where I learned to do community service, feed the poor, and teach children from vulnerable communities basic education. little did I know this was building my leadership skills. When I got into high school, that leadership was recognized, as I was the senior prefect of Baptist HIgh School in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Something really special for me is doing what you love and yet creating a great impact in society. Putting smiles on peoples faces. reaching out to the underserved. That’s fulfilling.

I recently started The Udama Unity Organization aka Udama 4 Africa non-profit, this initiative for me is timely and prophetic. we are at a time when Africa needs to have more thought leaders passionate about the continent and its advancement. I believe I am here not to add to the number but to create more impact. catch up with on socials lets make the dream come alive if you also believe in this dream.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Starting and failing early is a great way to go for anyone who desires to start now. For me it was the fact I wanted to start early and fail early so I could quickly brush myself up and continue from a place of knowledge,

volunteering has helped me a lot. As a development worker, I volunteer a lot. this has paved doors for me both locally and internationally
being intentional about networking and maintaining sustainable relationships is key in rising as a young leader or creative in this era.

open to learning and mentorship I am where I am today cause of my constant learning and openness to mentors. a mentor once said to me, “Never repeat the same mistake. let people’s mistake be the first and yours be the second”

Utilize social media to celebrate your wins. no win is small. if it were not relevant everyone would be achieving it.

My advice will be, before you chase people create value. When you are valuable people will chase after you. This will help you a big deal.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Oh yes, I look forward to collaborating with other changemakers in the impact development space from across the world leading sustainable projects. I also look forward to partners for the incredible work we do at The Udama Unity Organization aka Udama 4 Africa to achieve our mission and set objectives.

I also, look forward to collaborating with creatives, and content creators from as well from all over the world who use their art for society’s good.

lastly, for persons, organizations, who desire to carry corporate social responsibility, I will be glad to be part of it as a youth leader or creative

Contact Info:

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