Year 2022 😊 What a Year!
It is a few hours to the end of the year. As I reminiscence on the unique journey of twelve full months, I am full of appreciation to God for life, and people. It was not a year without its own challenges, obstacles and limitations. Through it all, I am glad to say that the ‘incrementals’ added up nicely.
As I take stock, I realize that many of the achievements came from a place of passion. That is the biggest lesson for me and my challenge to my circle as the year winds down – ‘be passionate about whatever you do’. The results are better driven from a place of passion.
I am not one to outline achievements for an outgoing year but I am in awe that from a personal standpoint and without expectations daily, these many (amongst others) was achieved in a calendar year:
🎯Finally, (after many attempts), joined the Technology Consulting practice of big four firm – PwC Nigeria following years in the payments, banking, and financial sectors. I also had a short stint working with a key media house in West Africa before making this transition.
🎯 Became an Author, publishing my book – ‘Some Things Never Go Away’ – an exciting story about the New Nigeria (Book is still available for grabs on Selar (selar.co/ovgr) and Amazon (Amazon.com/dp/B0BH54CHZ4)
🎯Had over 15 articles published on notable media platforms including Businessday and Punch amongst others.
🎯Had my first independent writing collaboration on “Philanthropy in Africa”
🎯Participated and volunteered in a Schools Tour Advocacy Project with Youth4Nigeria (Y4N) to ramp up political participation among the youths; enlighten and directly register students for the Permanent Voters Card (PVC). Notable amongst these was that done at Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech,Lagos)
🎯 Functioned as Research Lead for Y4N.
🎯Was elected Chairman, Development and Outreach committee for the Institute of Chartered Economist of Nigeria (ICEN), Lagos Chapter (Awaiting confirmation)
🎯 Participated in the Teach for Nigeria (T4N) In-person Teachers Evaluation programme for 2022 as a Co-assessor.
🎯Successfully partnered with youth leaders to organize a Tech Symposium for young students in secondary schools.
🎯Successfully completed four months of intensive leadership development programme at the University of Oxford (Said Business school) with fellowship from University of Oxford/FMDQ group.
🎯Attended the PwC Africa Advisory University (AAUX)
🎯 Was chosen as a Mentor for the Flourish Africa Programme (founded by Forbes rated richest women – Folorunsho alakija) to work with women led businesses in Africa.
🎯 Studied for and passed some Tech certifications including the Oracle Solution Engineering Primavera and Oracle Financials Cloud certifications. This prepared me to support businesses with cloud implementation.
🎯 Received the British Council certificate of achievement (Futures Leaders connect) for Communicating across cultures and Ideas for a better world.
🎯 Attended a few Events, networked with new persons, and broadened my knowledge base.
Many thanks to all who supported, cheered, and even criticized me in the outgoing year. I look forward to enabling mutual growth and impact in the coming year 2023.
