Wikimedia User Group Nigeria has named Barakat Adegboye as the Wikimedian in Residence for the “Wiki Re-Imagine Lagos” project. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Wikimedia Community, aims to enhance the visibility of Lagos through Wikimedia platforms.
Adegboye was selected from a pool of numerous qualified candidates, standing out for her impressive experience and a deep understanding of the project’s objectives. Her new role will involve close collaboration with the Lagos State Government, particularly the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Art, as well as the broader Nigeria Wikimedia Community.
She brings to bear a wealth of experience to this new position, having previously served as the Programmes Lead (intern) for the Wikimedia User Group Nigeria and is a member of the WUGN Grants Committee.
Her leadership roles also include serving as the General Secretary of the Wikimedia Fanclub at the University of Ilorin and leading communications at Africa Wiki Women. Additionally, she has spearheaded the Let’s Connect Peer Learning Programme in Kwara.
Adegboye’s facilitation skills have been evident in her involvement with various Wikimedia projects, including “Reading Wikipedia in the Classroom,” “1lib1ref,” “WikiLovesLibraries Nigeria,” “Celtic Knot Kwara,” and “Wikidata for Libraries.”
“Outside of her Wikimedia endeavors, Barakat serves as the Secretary of the Learnovation Network Foundation and is an enthusiast of photography and digital art”.
The announcement has generated excitement within the Wikimedia community, with calls for support from fellow Wikimedians to help Barakat succeed in her new role. Her work is expected to play a pivotal role in showcasing Lagos’s cultural richness and beauty to the world.