ALEXANDER FROM USA INTERVIEWS NIGERIAN SPIDERMAN.

Q, Tell me a little about yourself 

Jonathan: "I am Jonathan Olakunle Olanlokun, (Joni the Change Agent, Africa Spiderman). I'm a Nigerian activist and social entrepreneur who uses my creativity to make a positive impact on the world. I'm passionate about environmental protection and I believe that everyone has a role to play in creating a cleaner and healthier planet.

I'm also a social impact person that encourages Nigerians both young and old to build a prosperous Nigeria by teaching them about the importance of nation-building. I believe that Africa has the potential to be a great continent, and I'm dedicated to doing my part to make that happen."

Q, What do you dedicate your time to do?

Jonathan: "I dedicate my time to making a positive impact on the world. I'm passionate about environmental protection, nation-building, and doing impact works that make a difference in the lives of others.

In terms of environmental activism, I believe that it is crucial to raise awareness about the importance of environmental sanitation and the impact of our actions on the planet. I use my creativity and passion to inspire others to take action and make a positive difference in their communities.

I also believe that nation-building is essential for Africa's growth and prosperity. I encourage Nigerians, both young and old, to take an active role in building a better future for our country. I teach them about the importance of education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.

Finally, I find great joy in doing impact works that directly benefit my community. I organize tree-planting campaigns, clean-up drives, and other initiatives that help to improve the quality of life for those around me.

Through my dedication to environmental activism, nation-building, and impact works, I strive to make a lasting difference in the world and leave it a better place than I found it."

Q,That's a lot of work! How do you manage to balance all these activities?

Jonathan: "It takes dedication, passion, and a strong support system. I'm fortunate to have a team of like-minded individuals who share my vision for a better future. We work together to organize events, raise funds, and spread awareness about our causes.

I also prioritize my time carefully and make sure to schedule in breaks for rest and relaxation. It's important to take care of oneself in order to be effective in making a difference in the world."

Q, Jonathan, you've done so much to make a difference in the world. Can you tell us more about your positive impact and what inspired you to become an activist?

Jonathan: "Throughout my journey, I've had the incredible opportunity to contribute to my community and beyond through environmental activism, nation-building initiatives, and impact-driven projects. Each of these areas holds a special place in my heart, allowing me to connect with people and make a real difference in their lives.

In the realm of environmental activism, I've always believed in the power of creativity and engaging approaches to raise awareness about critical issues. My Spiderman costume, for instance, has served as a unique tool to capture attention and spark conversations about environmental sanitation. Additionally, I've organized tree-planting campaigns and other initiatives that have directly enhanced the environment.

When it comes to nation-building, I firmly believe in empowering Nigerians, both young and old, to actively participate in shaping a brighter future for our country. I've dedicated myself to educating them about the significance of education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for the progress of our nation.

My passion for impact works stems from the profound belief that small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, transforming lives and communities. I've organized clean-up drives, provided support to those in need, and engaged in various projects that have directly impacted the lives of others. These experiences have reinforced my belief in the power of human connection and the transformative impact of compassion and empathy.

The inspiration behind my journey as an activist is deeply rooted in my upbringing and personal experiences. My late parents were exceptional individuals who instilled in me a strong sense of social responsibility and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Their unwavering dedication to others left an indelible mark on my life.

Furthermore, witnessing the devastating effects of pollution and climate change on my community served as a wake-up call. I realized that I couldn't stand idly by while my home was being ravaged by environmental degradation. This realization fueled my passion to take action and protect the environment for future generations.

Lastly, I'm deeply inspired by the immense potential that Africa holds. I believe that our continent is brimming with untapped resources and the resilience to overcome challenges. This belief drives me to contribute my part in shaping a brighter future for Africa, where prosperity, sustainability, and equality can flourish.

Overall, my journey as an activist has been a continuous learning process, filled with challenges, triumphs, and the unwavering support of incredible individuals and communities. I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a difference, and I remain committed to using my voice and actions to inspire others to join me in creating a more just and sustainable world."

Q, Jonathan, you've often been referred to as a creative problem-solver. Would you agree with this description? And if so, where do your ideas come from?

Jonathan: "Absolutely, I consider myself a creative problem-solver. In my experience, tackling challenges often requires unconventional approaches and the ability to think outside the box. My passion for environmental protection and nation-building has led me to develop innovative strategies to address complex issues.

One of my core beliefs is that creativity and engagement are crucial for capturing people's attention and inspiring them to take action. My decision to wear a Spiderman costume during clean-up campaigns is a prime example of this approach. By infusing a fun and unexpected element into environmental activism, I've been able to spark conversations, raise awareness, and encourage others to join me in protecting our planet.

My ideas often stem from a deep understanding of the challenges at hand, coupled with a constant desire to explore new and effective solutions. I believe that empathy plays a significant role in this process. By connecting with the people I'm trying to reach, I can better understand their perspectives and tailor my approaches accordingly.

Furthermore, I draw inspiration from various sources, such as nature, art, and the experiences of others. I'm always eager to learn from diverse perspectives and incorporate fresh ideas into my work. This openness to new approaches has allowed me to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.

In essence, my creativity stems from a combination of passion, empathy, and a willingness to embrace unconventional approaches. I believe that problem-solving isn't just about finding solutions; it's also about finding ways to engage, inspire, and empower others to join me in creating a better future."

Q, Jonathan, many people give up on trying to solve difficult problems because they find them overwhelming. What motivates you to keep going, and how do you maintain a positive outlook?

Jonathan: "Throughout my journey as an activist, I've encountered numerous challenges that could have easily led to discouragement. However, I've always believed that giving up is not an option, especially when dealing with issues that have a profound impact on the lives of others.

One of the key factors that keeps me going is my unwavering belief in the power of hope and the potential for positive change. I believe that every problem, no matter how daunting it may seem, contains the seeds of a solution. This optimism fuels my determination to persevere, even in the face of setbacks.

Another crucial aspect of my resilience is my ability to focus on the progress I've made, no matter how small. Recognizing the positive impact I've had, even on a limited scale, serves as a powerful motivator, reminding me that my efforts are not in vain.

Furthermore, I surround myself with supportive individuals who share my passion and commitment to making a positive difference. Their encouragement and camaraderie play a vital role in maintaining my morale and reminding me that I'm not alone in this journey.

Finally, I cultivate a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve my community and contribute to a better future. This sense of purpose provides me with the strength and motivation to overcome challenges and keep moving forward.

In essence, my ability to persevere stems from a combination of unwavering hope, a focus on progress, a strong support system, and a deep sense of gratitude. These elements allow me to maintain a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity."

Q, In my training program at ALX, we are challenged to “Do Hard Things.” This means we study very hard, and also that we try to find solutions to difficult problems. Do you have any advice for me on how to solve problems that other people find too difficult?

Jonathan: My advice is for you to see yourself as a special person with mark of greatness. You're the light of the world.

Thank you for sharing your inspiring story, Joni. Your dedication to making a positive impact is truly remarkable.

Jonathan: "Thank you for your kind words. I hope my story can empower others to find their unique ways to make a difference in the world. Together, we can create a better future for all."