Young Entrepreneur Of The Week: Ameen Bamidele Abdul
Welcome to another exciting episode of the YEWGLOBAL blog series. There is a noble figure in the realm of change who stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of commerce and compassion. Meet Ameen Bamidele Abdul.
Ameen Bamidele Abdul
In the intricate dance between business and philanthropy, Ameen Bamidele Abdul has emerged as a maestro, orchestrating a symphony of success and social change. Ameen is a businessman, social change philanthropist and moderator with several years of experience in the public and private sectors as a policy advocate, branding and marketing executive, finance specialist and social sector expert. He is the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Sakshandlin Consultants LTD, a leading entity focusing on real estate. He is also the Chairman of Downlink Solutions, where he has led the team to the realisation of setting up one of the best financial services companies in Nigeria.
As a businessman with strides of vision and might and a passion for social change, he became the first Abuja Chapter chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC) and led the party to produce candidates with conscientious leadership capacities. Ameen’s journey transcends the traditional boundaries of business, weaving a narrative that intertwines success with social change. Undoubtedly, he has gained a remarkable degree of lofty fame for his philanthropy works which he carries out through Downlink Solutions as a supporter of the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), sponsorship of Valiant Football club; a Lagos-based football club, co-sponsorship of the annual Eletu Unity Cup; an annual footballing tournament to unite young people across the country.
His entrepreneurial journey, marked by perseverance and innovation, has earned him an enviable number of accolades such as an award of Excellence on Youth Advocacy from the MTN foundation and RISE Networks, an award of Honour by the Students Union of the University of Ilorin in 2021 and his leadership stature also got him an award of excellence as an Icon of Hope and Societal Transformation by the Nigerian Youth Advocacy for Good Governance Initiative. He recently became the President of the African Youth Network of all Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Africa and a governing board member of the Red Cross in Nigeria. He was elected during The PAN African Conference of African Red Cross and Red Cresent Societies in Kenya. It had in attendance 53 members of national societies from 53 African countries.
What sets Ameen apart is not his entrepreneurial acumen but his commitment to being actively involved in grassroots and global participation in societal transformation and Global diplomacy. Ameen is not merely a captain of industry; he is a visionary with a heart that beats in sync with the rhythm of philanthropy. He is driven by his passion for making a positive impact in the world, as he believes we can only make these global impacts starting from our communities and helping others. Born with an innate sense of responsibility, Ameen believed in the potential of business to drive positive change. He advises young individuals to be curious, embrace learning opportunities, stay adaptable in this ever-evolving sector, seek mentors, network, and never be afraid to take calculated risks.
Interview
1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. For example: (Your name, your educational background, your achievements, basically everything that makes you who you are today.
I am a businessman, social change philanthropist and moderator with several years of experience in the public and private sectors as a policy advocate, branding and marketing executive, finance specialist and social sector expert. My resume includes Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Sakshandlin Consultants LTD, a leading entity focusing on real estate, and infrastructure development projects as well as marketing, branding, risk management, and entrepreneurial development in Africa. As a social change enthusiast, I emerged as the first Abuja Chapter chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC), a people-oriented political party with organic mass followership, where I led the party to produce candidates with conscientious leadership capacities.
I am mostly known and praised for the philanthropy works I carry out through Downlink Solutions as support to the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) as a volunteer, sponsor of Valiant Football Club, a Lagos-based football club, co-sponsorship of the annual Eletu Unity Cup; an annual footballing tournament that holds in Ilorin Kwara state to unite young people across the country.
In 2010, I earned an award of Excellence on Youth Advocacy from the MTN Foundation and RISE Networks. My interest in youth development earned me an award of honour by the Students Union of the University of Ilorin in 2021, my leadership stature also got me an award of excellence as an Icon of Hope and Societal Transformation by the Nigerian Youth Advocacy for Good Governance Initiative in recognition of my passion.
I recently became the President of the African Youth Network of all Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Africa and a governing board member of the Red Cross in Nigeria. I was elected during the PAN African conference of African Red Cross and Red Crescent societies that happened in Nairobi Kenya. As a highly motivated serial entrepreneur from Africa, deeply concerned about economic growth and development, I believe the youth have a role to play in global transformation. I have always been actively involved in grassroots and global participation in societal transformation, and global diplomacy. My interests align with big data, financial technology solutions, youth empowerment & development, technology advancement, enterprise thinking, disruptive innovation, aviation & social capital development.
2. Now, tell us more about your journey as a young entrepreneur and with the Red Cross Nigeria as a young advocate for many social issues.
My experience thus far has been a bittersweet one. Coming from a polygamous home (my dad has four wives), the competition to succeed is almost supercharged because it is usually like that in these homes but my parents did their best to give me the best education. My entrepreneurial journey started when I was at University. A man used to come to where our school was located. He happened to be an uncle to my roommate. At the time, he used to export timber, so I started by helping him interpret Hausa into English while communicating with his Chinese clients. That gave me experience in doing international business. As he got overwhelmed because he had too many clients, he asked if I could go into trade so he could hand me some of his clients and I did. He put me through the process and made money from that, and I eventually graduated and left that community. I moved on to establish Downlink Solutions, a company that majors in Finance, Aviation, Agriculture, and Technology. In 2022, I contested to be the National Youth Chairperson of the Nigerian Red Cross Society; I emerged as the winner. However, before then, I was an advocate for young people and a key player in the “End Sars” campaign seeking to address the excesses of men in a unit of the Nigerian police that harasses citizens.
3. Why did you consider taking your career path?
I chose my career path because I have a passion for making a positive impact in various industries. I want to contribute to the finance, aviation, agriculture, and technology sectors to drive innovation, inspire, and create opportunities for young people. It aligns with my goal of creating a more equitable and prosperous society and I chose to be involved with the Nigerian Red Cross Society because I have a strong desire to serve local communities and make a difference in people's lives. Being the National Youth Chairperson allows me to organise and support initiatives that address needs such as; access to education, healthcare, and youth unemployment because I am highly dedicated to public and community services.
4. What are the challenges and benefits of being a young entrepreneur in Nigeria and working with the Red Cross as their Nation Youth Chair?
As a young entrepreneur in Nigeria, we face challenges such as limited access to funding, navigating a competitive market, and dealing with regulatory hurdles. However, the benefits include the opportunity to innovate, contribute to economic growth, and create employment opportunities. In my role as the National Youth Chair of the Red Cross, I have experienced challenges like coordinating diverse programs, mobilising resources, and addressing community needs. But the benefits include the ability to make a positive impact, develop leadership skills, and inspire others to get involved in entrepreneurship and humanitarian efforts. My dedication and resilience in both roles are the key ingredients to where I am today.
5. In your opinion, what does it take for one to be successful at what they do?
In my opinion, success comes from a combination of passion, hard work, perseverance, and continuous learning. It takes a strong drive to pursue your goals, a willingness to put in the effort and overcome challenges, and a commitment to personal growth and improvement. Additionally, surrounding yourself with a supportive network and seizing opportunities can also contribute to success. Remember, success is subjective and unique to each individual.
6. How important is it to you to do what you love and be successful at it?
It is extremely important to do what you love and be successful at it. When you are passionate about your work, it brings a sense of fulfilment and joy. Being successful at something you love allows you to make a positive impact, find personal satisfaction, and live a more fulfilling life. It's all about finding that perfect balance between pursuing your passions and achieving your goals.
7. As a young inspiring individual, what would you say drives you to always want to achieve more in life? What is your source of motivation?
I'm driven by my passion for making a positive impact in the world and we can only make these global impacts starting from our communities and helping others. It motivates me to keep pushing forward and constantly strive for more.
8. In your opinion, how would you measure success?
I believe success can be measured by the positive impact we have on the lives of others and the fulfilment we find in pursuing our passions and goals. And there is this thing I always say that a man’s success is measured exactly in the degree which he handles the welfare of his fellow men.
9. What advice would you give any individual trying to venture into your sector of work?
As someone who is involved in finance, aviation, agriculture, and technology, I would advise young individuals to be curious, embrace learning opportunities, and stay adaptable in this ever-evolving sector. Seek mentors, network, and never be afraid to take calculated risks. But of all I will say just generally be wise.
10. Are you on any social media platforms?
Yes, I am on Instagram and LinkedIn. My Instagram handle is @tharealmean my LinkedIn is Ameen Abdul.
The team at YEWGlobal wishes Ameen Bamidele Abdul all the best in her next endeavours. We can't wait to have an update on your success journey.
We hope you enjoyed this week's edition of the YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE WEEK.
See you all soon!