Delight Oyindamola Babalola: Shine your light

Delight Oyindamola Babalola, a 21-year-old, is a final year student of the Department of Psychology, University of Lagos. She is a Mental Health Advocate Volunteer, at ASADS(Anti-Suicide and Depression Squad) and NGO for Mental Health. She is also a Volunteer at TNCI(THE NEO CHILD INITIATIVE) a volunteer-based organisation improving access to health care & mentorship for children, especially in underserved communities. As someone who loves children, she sees this as an opportunity to learn, help and serve humanity.

A writer, she owns a @oyeenblogs.wordpress.com where she inspires her readers with motivational stories and inspirational write-ups which helps their imaginative and creative thinking. She owns a youtube blog(TALK WITH DELIGHT) where girls/women/ladies are inspired on various issues(relationship, marriage, etc), and other Educative, Motivative, and Informative matters as will be discussed. 

Graced with entrepreneurial skills, she owns an online Food Business and Catering Services called;(DEE'S CHOW) based in Nigeria.

Being Passionate about Women, The Girl- Child, and having Leadership Skills, she is the convener of Kingdom Daughters Network an online Ministry platform where we equip ourselves with God's word, prayers and help each other discover purpose.

One reason for the interview is to challenge the notion that older women feel intimidated by younger ladies or girls. There is a school of thought that there is something to learn from everybody, both young and old, or from experiences, both good and bad. I choose to follow this. 

Finally, I guess Delight and myself can heave a sigh of relief. This is because her feature has been long overdue though it was stemming from both controllable and uncontrollable circumstances. However, I am happy to have e-met Delight through a mutual friend. So far, it is impressive to know that a young lady can be this industrious, versatile and purposeful. It was a great pleasure chatting with her. 

Omote ro dhe in her usual manner got 'chitty chatty' with this amazing amazon where she shared what she is all about, stands for, and much more. Read interesting excerpts below:

As mental health advocate volunteer, what would you advise a person on starting over this year since last year was quite rough with the pandemic, suicide rates, job losses, and deaths?

The first thing I will advise such an individual is to take a deep breath, breathe it all in and out. Don't be too in a hurry to rush with goals and plans you think you were unable to achieve in the last year.

Secondly, be confident in yourself, do not feel any less of a person if you think you are not where you are supposed to be. In fact, you are right where you are meant to because everything happens for a reason.

Thirdly, I will advise such individuals to look past the PAST, put everything behind, and start afresh with a strong mindset to keep moving no matter what seems to have delayed them.

Fourthly, don't compare yourself with anyone, be your own person because each breaking day is the beginning of a new dawn and as they come by be positive, have a positive outlook, surround yourself with people that would encourage you and push you forward. Avoid destructive criticism and keep your circle as closely knitted as possible, you don't have to be friends with everyone.

As a youth whose mindset is influenced by what you see and read on social media, how do you sieve information to know what is beneficial to you to face real life?

I sieve this information based on what is my reality and my beliefs as well.

Can you tell us more about your blog? What motivated you to start one and how is it serving its purpose?

So, I write a lot, poems, short stories, and the likes. But then starting a blog came up at a time when I was really low mentally, I was diagnosed with depression at the time, so it was like a healing process and those times I felt misunderstood so I did what I knew out to do which was to write, so these words come as encouragement although it revolves around my present state. Well,I haven't written in a while, but it has most definitely served as a source of motivation, encouragement as well to readers in need of it. This also goes for my YouTube blog as well I've always wanted to inspire people with my voice.

What is the one thing that helps you relax?

Hmmm...music is one key thing that helps me relax.

Who are some of the women that inspire you and why?

Errmm...there are quite a few. My mum, Rev.Christianah Alawode, she inspires me a lot in every aspect of life particularly when I see her role in ministry and the Home font, I see strength. Also, Tolulope Adejumo as well, she is like a role model when it comes to YouTubing, I admire her resilience and steady growth in the YouTube world.

In this trying period of the COVID-19 pandemic, how has it been for you? What is your routine like?

Well...there's been an ease to an extent, the country is not as rigid as last year. So basically my routine is to pray, have my devotion, do chores, attend classes(cause school has resumed and I have virtual classes) I attend several meetings online, go to market a lot of cause of my business(lol), Also going to church is also more like an everyday thing as well.

Knowing what you know now, are there things you would want to change about your life?

Hmmm, Yes I would have loved to change that I didn't have to worry a lot of panic about the future. I would have loved to change that I didn't have to stress so much about everything.

As a finalist, what is your take on schooling? Some people believe that schooling is a scam, can you share your thoughts?

Well, for some people it could be I mean, life is a choice. While some people believe if all the fees they've spent in school was given to them to set up a business they would be living better lives now, not wasting their time in school, they could be right but that only happens when you know your purpose, I know definitely in fulfilling my purpose in life my degree is Well needed, it's even more like bedrock and there's just something schooling does with your mindset, it twitches something...likes, it makes you different, the kinds of experiences you have, the Network as well.

Can you share some of the strengths that have helped you in blogging and entrepreneurship?

Hmmm...honestly it's been the grace of God and also knowing what you want, knowing why you are doing what you do. Knowing there is quite a no of people you could bless and impact.

Also as regards entrepreneurship one thing that has helped me as well is my passion for cooking as well as what I call the bigger picture always seeing my restaurant as one of the best in the country so I move on cause there's a goal.

How would you describe your fashion style?

Lol....well I don't know, I just know I dress to look good and no matter how I combine, it comes out well. I love to look good.

What is that one thing you would say life has taught you?

Hmm...life has taught me to learn how to live with pain, hurt and disappointments. Life has taught me how to look beyond my past and see the best in everyone.

Do you have some projects you are working on currently and can you share them with us?

Errrmm...I'm particular about one, my first book so I am currently working on that. I would leave it at that for now.

How do you juggle several activities as a volunteer, entrepreneur, student, and worker for God?

Honestly, it's been a whole lot but God's grace has been sufficient and I'm actually really learning time management as well.

What advice do you have for young women pursuing purpose?

Don't give up, see your goal and go for it. You are not ordinary at all so don't let culture, beliefs, traditions, society play you down. Shine your light.

What is your favourite book(s) of all time?

Hmmm...The power of your mind by Rev. Chris Oyakhilome(I read it over and over) Smart Money Woman