As a fresh undergraduate, Tolulope Gbenro had mixed feelings about tertiary education. Compared to the rustic simplicity of secondary school, the university’s atmosphere was loud and bustling, which seemed unsuitable for an introvert like her. All around campus were events and programmes promising personal development.
In no time, Tolulope found herself drawn to this vibrant world in spite of her natural inhibitions. “There was this organization that came to talk to us about social impact. They picked it more from ideation and teamwork and solving problems than actually calling it social impact. And the name of the organization is Enactus,” she recalled.
After she joined the Enactus community, Tolulope affiliated herself with various social-impact clubs. In addition to the wealth of knowledge they offered, some of the clubs offered a few perks, including an overseas trip.
Part of her growing enthusiasm for social impact stemmed from a mantra she heard from the university’s chancellor: “You are absolutely responsible for the outcome of your life.” This mantra became a radar, guiding her steps and ultimately shaping her path in leadership.
A Call to Service
Founded in 1973 by the federal government to strengthen national unity, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has faced backlash in recent years for putting the lives of young graduates at risk. As such, many youths consider the mandatory scheme an extension of the hardships endured during undergraduate studies.
Not Tolulope. Her outlook remained positive as she was deployed for service in 2021. Where other graduates lobbied their way to reputable states, she embraced the opportunity to make a positive impact within her place of primary assignment, a non-fot-profit entity located in Ilorin.
With unwavering diligence, Tolulope immersed herself in her new role, maximizing every opportunity for social good and gleaning invaluable insights about community development. Sooner than later, she began to engage in community-development programs with a focus on environmental concerns, including women’s and youth’s empowerment.
Noting the frustration of NYSC corps members and having experienced the harsh realities of the NYSC program, Tolulope saw the need for a shift in mindset, forming an outfit named Hone NYSC.
Tolu explained that Hone NYSs a movement aimed at reshaping perceptions and providing support to young individuals navigating their service year. Since its inception in 2022, the initiative has impacted over a thousand people, helping corps members to hone their skills and develop the capacity to operate in the corporate world.
This lesson is reflected in the organization’s slogan: One year is not a waste. One year can change your life if you allow it.
“If I was posted to a village, I would maximize the opportunities that existed and leave with no regrets. If I was posted to a city, I would do the same thing,” said Tolulope.
Tolulope runs the outfit along with three other volunteers. They also run a Telegram channel where opportunities are shared among corps members and young professionals. Personal branding is at the top of the lessons drummed into the corps members.
Outside of this, there are periodic webinars to guide corps members on making the right decisions with regard to their PPA and mandatory social work. Through Tolulope’s guidance, the participants make informed decisions and see good in the scheme.
Time management, Tolulope admitted, has been a significant challenge with managing Hone NYSC. However, she skates through this obstacle by delegating responsibilities and through a better understanding of tasks. While funding poses a challenge, she remains open to collaborations.
Looking ahead, Tolulope is determined: “I will be the best social impact consultant in the world. For Hone NYSC, I envision it as a global organization and association making an impact both within and outside Nigeria, regardless of whether NYSC is scrapped or not. Our goal is to help people transition from university life to the outside world.” At 24, Tolulope’s is blazing a path in social impact with just ambition and dedication.
Tolulope Gbenro, a fresh undergraduate, initially felt out of place in the bustling university atmosphere but was soon drawn into the vibrant world of social impact through the organization Enactus. Joining Enactus and other social-impact clubs provided her with knowledge and opportunities, including overseas trips. Inspired by the university's chancellor’s mantra, “You are absolutely responsible for the outcome of your life," she developed a strong interest in social leadership.
Deployed for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2021, Tolulope embraced her role at a non-profit in Ilorin, focusing on community development, environmental issues, and empowerment for women and youth. In response to disillusionment among corps members, she founded Hone NYSC in 2022 to reshape perceptions and support people during their service year. Hone NYSC has impacted over a thousand individuals by emphasizing skill development and corporate readiness.
Through a combination of a Telegram channel, periodic webinars, and personal branding workshops, Tolulope helps corps members maximize their service year. While time management and funding challenges persist, she stays committed to her vision of becoming the best social impact consultant globally and aims to expand Hone NYSC into an influential global organization.
