The Awesome Way to Lead — Lessons from UNILORIN’s Cowrywise 2024-2025 Campus Lead

AWESOME AKINFEWA - COWRYWISE ILORIN AMBASSADORS, CAMPUS LEAD, 2024- 2025

True leadership goes beyond titles and skills; it’s shown through a genuine drive to make an impact and an appreciation for others’ contributions. Awesome Akinfenwa, Campus Lead of the Cowrywise Ambassador Community, University of Ilorin, shared how collaboration and teamwork shaped his leadership journey.

• So, can you briefly introduce yourself, stating your name, level, department, and your position in the Cowrywise Ambassador Community?

My name is Awesome Akinfenwa. I am a graduate of the English and Literary Studies department. I am also the campus lead for the Cowrywise Ambassador Community, University of Ilorin. I have been the campus lead of Cowrywise Ambassador Community for the University of Ilorin since November 2024.

• How has the journey being the Campus lead with of Cowrywise Ambassador community been like?

Ah...It has been nice so far. I will say the journey has been innovative, transformative, and educative. In the sense that I have had the opportunity to host hangouts, meetings, events many more. As a result, my leadership skills have improved, and it has been great serving a community of intellectual minds.

• Looking back, what would you say was the most fulfilling moment of your leadership experience, and why?

I don't have a most fulfilling moment. So far, so good. From the time I started to now, every moment has been fulfilling.

• What have you done differently?

One thing I've done so far is make sure all teams in the community hold regular programs. In the community, we have different teams, e.g, social media marketing, Engineering/development, Design, Writing, and many others. We ensure events are hosted based on the team's domain, for example, the finance team hosts finance-related events and activities available to everyone.

• What inspired you to apply as a Cowrywise team or campus lead, and how has that motivation evolved?

I was inspired to apply for the position of campus lead because of the great work done by previous leaders like Toluwanimi, Fatima, Adedoyin, and Ayobami—I wanted to build upon their efforts. Also, I wanted to give back to the community. The UNILORIN Cowrywise Ambassadors community is one of the best groups I have had the privilege of being a part of. So, I thought, why not give it a shot? Well, over time, my motivations have remained consistent: to continue the good work of previous leaders and contribute to the community that has given me so much. I am pretty much driven by the purpose of making a positive impact.

• Can you walk us through a challenge you faced while leading your team and how you successfully resolved it?

Hosting events that catered to all domains at first was challenging, but one way Ireoluwa, my Co-lead, and I resolved it was by having the team leads come up with event ideas suitable for their teams, and we all worked together to make it a reality. Basically, I will say collaboration and teamwork spirit thriving within me and other group leads have not only been helpful, but also transformative for the community at large.

• What was your proudest achievement or service highlight during your time as a Cowrywise ambassador and as a campus lead?

As an ambassador, the hangouts were huge highlights. As a campus lead, everything accomplished so far has been a proud moment.

• How did you manage pressure, deadlines, or competing responsibilities throughout your leadership role?

I believe that pressure is a normal aspect of any leadership role. I manage this pressure by engaging in relaxing hobbies. When it comes to competing responsibilities, I rely on my co-lead if I am unable to handle certain tasks due to a conflict with another responsibility.

• In what ways did this role help you grow as a communicator and leader?

As a campus lead, I learned to translate ideas into actions fast. Leading a team of peers forced me to ditch vague delegation for concrete expectations. I learned to listen, not just speak. To lead with context, not control. I became a better communicator by simplifying complexity, and a better leader by prioritizing outcomes over ego.

• Describe your approach to managing your team. What strategies worked best to keep everyone motivated and on track?

I opt for a democratic leadership style while managing my team. I believe in letting the team leads know what they're meant to do. I give them their objectives, and they have free rein on how to accomplish them. Checking up on everyone as regularly as possible has worked well so far.

• How did your goals at the start of the program compare with what you actually achieved by the end?

I have not accomplished all I set out to accomplish, but I am almost there.

• What skill or trait did you develop the most during your ambassadorship, and how has it shaped you today?

Patience and tolerance. I have become more patient and tolerant when things don't go as planned or work out the way they should.

• If you could give one golden piece of advice to the next Cowrywise team or campus leader, what would it be?

Don't do everything by yourself. It's okay to work and partner with others.

INTERVIEWED BY ROKIBAT SANUSI

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