WLUG SC 2025 candidate/Meritkosy
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Meritkosy (talk • meta edits • global user summary • CA)
| Preferred name | Ibekeme Merit | |
|---|---|---|
| What languages do you speak, and at what fluency level? (Please include your English proficiency.) | English/ Fluent | |
| What region(s) of the world do you have experience with, and what kind of experience do you have? (“Experience” can mean you have lived or worked there or are currently living or working there; you’re familiar with the culture and language; etc.) | I have significant experience in West Africa, particularly Nigeria, where I was born, educated, and have worked extensively. My professional and volunteer work has given me a deep understanding of the region’s cultures, languages, and development challenges. I have worked with organizations such as ECOWAS in Abuja, where I served as an intern in the Library Department under the Directorate of Communication. I have also led literacy and open knowledge initiatives in Northern Nigeria, especially in Gombe and Benue States, focusing on underserved communities. This includes organizing storybook reading sessions, training librarians and students on Wikimedia projects,and promoting access to African literature.
Through these experiences, I’ve developed strong cross-cultural communication skills and a deep appreciation for the diversity and potential of the West African region. I have also worked collaboratively with people in Africa and beyond. | |
| What Wikimedia project(s) do you actively edit? And in what language(s)? | English Wikipedia, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons and Wikiquote | |
| What affiliate(s) are you actively involved with? In what capacity are you involved? Do you serve in a leadership role or have you in the past? | I belong to Wikimedia Usergroup Nigeria, a volunteer member of the programs team also the program Manager of Gombe Wikimedia Network. | |
| Please describe any experience you have with working in Wikipedia/Library. | I have led a Wikimedia awareness campaign for Librarians in Federal College of Education Gombe in Nigeria, the link can be found here: https://meta.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_Awareness_and_Training_in_Federal_College_of_Education_(Technical). I also led a campaign for Librarians in Gombe State Titled "Open Knowledge Practices Through Wikimedia Projects for Librarians in Gombe State" The link can be found here: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Upskilling_academic_librarians_in_Gombe_State_on_Open_knowledge_practices_through_Wikimedia_projects
and I am currently leading a project for Librarians in Benue State University, Markurdi. The link can be found here:https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Open_Knowledge_Practices_Through_Wikimedia_Projects_for_Librarians_in_Benue_State_University I have also participated in AfLIA's Wikipedia and Wikidata training for librarians | |
| What is your view on the development of our affiliation? | I see the affiliation as a strategic platform for empowering librarians to become not just custodians of knowledge, but active contributors to free and open knowledge. I believe the affiliation should prioritize inclusive engagement by supporting more localized initiatives, promoting multilingual contributions, and deepening partnerships with library associations worldwide. | |