Welcome to the April 2021 Blogger Spotlight: 10 Questions with Tolu

Our blogger of the month is Tolu Akintaro!

Tolu Akintaro is a digital producer, which simply means (in her words): “I am great at using digital platforms to tell stories. I read to learn and I write to declutter.”

A continuous student of Communication, Culture, and Media, I enjoy sharing about how our culture forms our identities. When I am taking a break from the philosophical talk, I am advocating the promotion of mental health policies in Nigeria. I believe half of the population are emotionally hurting people and to have a better Nigeria, we must agree to deal with the root cause of most of these hurts through counseling.

I enjoy writing stories. It is my safe space.I often say I write for my future children to know how i used to think when i was their age but i also write for those who need a hug, a smile or just someone to laugh or just let them know… I SEE YOU! Because no one should be alone.

Location: Abuja

Q. What is one productivity app, gadget, or tool you use consistently?   

Medium for my writing and Adobe spark or Adobe rush.

Q. How do you practice self-care in your life? 

I  drink a lot of tea, travel or visit a place. I stay off social platforms that trigger anxiety for me and most free days, I either go out for karaoke or lay in bed to read, listen to a podcast or just be silent.

Q. What is one pet peeve of yours?  

When people try to deflect other people’s problems or challenges in their state of vulnerability. E.g when I hear people say things like: “Oh, I was really sad yesterday” and their friend says “your own is even small, me I had the worst experience”. Can we just learn to let people rant in peace?? 

Q. What is one thing you love about yourself?

 I love how creatively smart I am and can find solutions to problems without breaking a sweat.

Q. What is one thing that makes you laugh hard? 

A good piece of a creatively thought out comic strip.

Q. What is one thing about you most people don’t know? 

It’s funny how I think people would know this but I was birthed by two blind parents.

Q. What is one cause or initiative you believe in and support?

Mental Health and disability inclusion.

Q. What is one way you practice kindness to women in your life?

I write letters to appreciate them twice a year and send them a thoughtful gift I know they need.

Q. What is one personal or professional development resource (book, podcast, course, video, song) you recommend? 

Book: ‘The Book of Joy’ by Dalai Lama and Bishop Desmond Tutu.

Podcast: Social Bakers, The Science of Happiness, The Feminine Fancy, and The Mics Are Open.

Courses: Mostly courses on creative writing from Knight centre for Journalism.

Q. What is one of your favorite mantras or quotes?

 “Know your value, then add tax.”