MOHAMMED RILWAN BOLAJI

Community Development Practitioner | Social Researcher

Ibadan, NG.

About

Highly passionate and results-driven community development practitioner and social researcher with proven expertise in participatory planning, stakeholder engagement, and grassroots advocacy. Adept at conflict-sensitive programming, grievance redress mechanisms, and inclusive social development within urban infrastructure and humanitarian contexts. Leverages data-driven insights to promote socially inclusive and sustainable town development initiatives, aligning with organizational missions focused on community well-being and progress.

Work

Leading Non-Governmental Organization

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Community Development & Data Coordination Consultant

Ilorin & Lagos, Kwara & Lagos States, Nigeria

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Summary

Led community development initiatives and data coordination efforts, enhancing participatory planning, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive project implementation for urban infrastructure and humanitarian contexts.

Highlights

Orchestrated over 15 town hall meetings and stakeholder dialogues, engaging diverse community members in participatory planning for urban infrastructure projects, enhancing local ownership and project relevance.

Directed comprehensive community profiling and vulnerability assessments across 5+ project sites, providing critical data that informed strategic planning and resource allocation for infrastructure development.

Designed and managed grievance redress mechanisms, resolving 95%+ of community complaints within established timelines and improving project accountability and trust.

Integrated gender, youth, and inclusion frameworks into project design and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) for 10+ initiatives, ensuring equitable distribution of project benefits and outcomes.

Cultivated strategic partnerships with key stakeholders including SMOH, WHO, and UNICEF, coordinating public health outreach programs that reached over 10,000 beneficiaries.

Volunteer

Instructor

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Pearl Sickle Cell Foundation

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Provided instruction and health education support at Pearl Sickle Cell Foundation.

Highlights

Delivered educational sessions to patients and families, improving understanding of sickle cell management and care.

Contributed to community health literacy efforts, supporting the foundation's mission to improve patient outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Member & Advocate

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Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network

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Engaged with the YALI Network, advocating for human rights and sustainable development initiatives.

Highlights

Actively participated in advocacy and petition signing against human rights violations globally, contributing to international awareness campaigns.

Enhanced expertise in sustainable development, climate change, and negotiation through YALI learning courses, applying insights to local initiatives.

Instructor & Coordinator

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Kwara State Blood Donation Initiative

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Led community sensitization and coordination for blood donation drives across Kwara State.

Highlights

Sensitized over 500 individuals on the critical need for blood donation, contributing to a 20% increase in donor participation.

Organized and streamlined volunteer efforts for donation events, improving operational efficiency and donor experience.

Managed accurate documentation of donor information, ensuring data integrity for over 300 blood donations.

Community Sensitization Advocate

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Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Initiative

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Advocated for sickle cell anemia awareness and promoted genotype screening importance in Kwara State.

Highlights

Delivered impactful sensitization talks to diverse community groups, including market women and religious organizations, reaching over 1,000 individuals.

Successfully advocated for prioritizing genotype testing before marriage, significantly increasing awareness of genetic compatibility within target communities.

Community Educator & Outreach Coordinator

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Community Empowerment & Poverty Reduction Initiative

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Coordinated educational outreach and resource distribution to less privileged communities in Kwara State.

Highlights

Sensitized community members on the importance of education and skill development for poverty reduction, impacting over 200 households.

Delivered impactful speeches on the 'culture of poverty,' fostering critical consciousness and empowering communities to seek sustainable solutions.

Judicial Council Member

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University of Ilorin Student Union

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Served on the Student Union Judicial Council, upholding student rights and ensuring fair processes within the university.

Highlights

Adjudicated over 50 student grievances and disciplinary cases annually, ensuring fair and impartial resolution.

Contributed to maintaining judicial integrity and promoting effective conflict resolution within a student body of over 50,000.

Editor, SOC VOICE

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University of Ilorin, Department of Sociology

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Edited and managed content for the department's new platform, disseminating news and fostering critical discussion.

Highlights

Curated and disseminated news on international and local current affairs to a student body of over 5,000, enhancing awareness and engagement.

Organized weekly virtual debates on social issues, engaging 100+ students per session and fostering critical thinking skills.

Education

University of Ilorin

Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
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MSc Sociology Grade:

Courses

Thesis: Perceived effectiveness of Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) in crime control in Lagos State.

University of Ilorin

Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
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BSc Sociology Grade:

Courses

Thesis: Role of religious organization in conflict resolution among couples in NASFAT Islamic Organization in Ilorin metropolis.

Publications

A sociological review of the nexus between traveling and mental health: The risk-benefit dichotomy.

FUOYE Journal of Sociology

Co-authored a sociological review exploring the complex relationship between travel and mental health, published in a peer-reviewed academic journal (Volume 1, No. 1, 2023).

Languages

English

Certificates

Management Strategies for People and Resources

Yali Network

Soft Skill Certificate

Undisclosed

Fundamental of Data Science Certificate

Undisclosed

Project Management Professional Certificate (PMI)

Project Management Institute (PMI)

Skills

Community Development

Participatory Planning, Stakeholder Engagement, Grassroots Advocacy, Inclusive Social Development, Community Profiling, Vulnerability Assessment, Public Health Outreach, Program Development, Community Education.

Social Research & Analysis

Data Coordination, Grievance Redress Mechanisms, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Data Collection, Impact Assessment, Policy Analysis, Needs Assessment.

Conflict Resolution & Peacebuilding

Conflict-Sensitive Programming, Mediation, Negotiation, Dialogue Facilitation, Restorative Justice, Dispute Resolution.

Project Management

Project Planning, Project Coordination, Resource Allocation, Timeline Management, Reporting, Risk Management, PMI Principles.

Advocacy & Outreach

Human Rights Advocacy, Public Speaking, Sensitization Campaigns, Stakeholder Management, Partnership Building.

Soft Skills

Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Team Leadership, Cross-functional Collaboration, Communication, Mentoring, Academic Assistance, Cultural Sensitivity, Adaptability.

Technical Skills

Data Science Fundamentals, Microsoft Office Suite.

References

Dr. Olatunji Abdulganiy

Provided upon request

Dr. Issah Moshood

Provided upon request

Dr. Olumide Fagbamila

Provided upon request