A conversation with Daniel

What is your background/studies/ career field (or planned field)

I am from Nigeria and I presently completed my studies in economics at the University of Benin. My interest in economics was sparked by a fascination about governance and creating a better life for people in the Global South, specifically here in Nigeria. The level of poverty in Africa is saddening, and a large part of this stems from employment issues in Nigeria and Africa at large. 

I want to engineer change. From a very young age, I have prayed to make an impact. Through  research and observation, I was able to establish that existential risk is more dangerous to our collective future. This realisation led me to the field of nuclear security, which I am now pursuing as my primary career path. In specific, I would like to work in multilateral diplomacy in the nuclear space and would like to be a diplomat. 

What is your faith background? What role has Christ played a role in your life?

“Christ wants us to do as much good as possible and be problem solvers in our different walks of life.”

I was born into a Christian home and have actively been a Christian from a young age. I have grown in faith over the years. My personal relationship with Christ has led me to seek out a more purposeful life. Christ wants us to do as much good as possible and be problem solvers in our different walks of life. 

How does faith connect to the concern of nuclear security? 

Christians have a moral obligation to pursue the good of the world and to steward its future. Since nuclear weapons are an existential threat, Christians can work in this space as a way to contribute to a better future for the world at large and for the future generations. 

How did you hear about effective altruism?

I have always been curious about how to make the world better and consequently began researching online for impactful projects. This led me to the EA movement. It resonated with me, and now I am a proud member of the EA community, which has since grown considerably in Nigeria. 

“[EA] gives access to opportunities for people to channel their passion toward impactful outcomes.”

What do you like about effective altruism? Does it help you be a better Christian?

EA has created a platform for collaboration with people around the world. It gives access to opportunities for people to channel their passion toward impactful outcomes. Doing good is a collaborative and collective journey of humanity and EA brings together people who are interested in this journey. Especially as a Christian, I am happy to be collaborating in creating an ideal future for humanity. 

Through 80,000 hours I was fortunate enough to receive career advice and guidance within nuclear security which also led to me building connections with experts in the field. Through EA conferences, you can meet brilliant minds and co-found or collaborate on brilliant projects.

I am also really enthusiastic about all the job opportunities EA exposes one to both locally and abroad. The fellowships as well as funding programs make opportunities available for people who are proactive about doing the most good.

What do you find difficult about effective altruism?

As someone from the Global South, I think EA can do better when it comes to diversity, inclusivity, and equity. The perception of people of the West on cause areas is quite different from people in the Global South. There are some global health interventions where most people from the Global South have first-hand experience of the challenge and have a better and more effective approach to the same yet Western methods tend to be applied more. It is important for EA to be engaged with people in the Global South more, to find the best approach to tackle different problems which are largely predominant in the Global South. If EA was to be more invested in Africa then more people would be inspired to develop projects that would be ideal and impactful in Africa. Cause areas should be tailored to fit in the African setting so as to expand the community and have effective and long-term changes.

What cause areas do you find especially important?

I am particularly curious about cause innovation since many challenges faced in Africa are critical for the long-term future. Finding new causes can help fill this gap.

Parting shot:

I am very keen on the EA community in Africa, and promoting diversity within EA, and I believe there is potential to come up with novel ideas and projects that will lead the world a step closer to being better. I look forward to a time when the church will be more engaged with EA and find common ground on how to better shape the future.