2020 in review: Never say never

With all the winnings recorded in 2019, I entered 2020 in high spirits.... full of expectations and wanting more. The new year kicked off on a good note and thankfully, my birthday wish for that year was answered. I wished I prayed for more and was more elaborate in the wish though. As the days progressed, I got a big shock that almost threw me off balance. Instead of the seeming impossibilities, I took my fate in good faith and move with the assurance that there were better days ahead. 

February came with a breath of fresh air. For the first time, I went salsa dancing and got to learn new dance moves and meet new people and see new places. I was priviledged to attend #FixPolitics, an initiative of Former Education minister's, Obiageli Ezekwesili. It was a forum of like-minded individuals whose mission was to promote good governance through transparent election practices and eliminate corruption. There, we brainstormed, planned strategically, learnt, unlearnt, and relearnt and network for the betterment of our country. It was a major highlight of 2020 for me. Imagine being in the same room with top Nigeria leaders, past and present, aspiring and serving, young and old, people who were generally global shapers. Of course, I had to capture moments with some of the role models I have always admired from as far. This month, there was a move! As in change in location. I never saw it coming so soon but thank God, it came to pass. It was a new environment completely. 

March was when it seemed 'things fell apart'. It heralded the season of lockdown. The COVID 19 pandemic that engulfed the whole world, defied mother nature and caused a total shutdown. Governments restricted movements, only health workers and essential providers had the liberty to move freely. Panic everywhere, people lived to survive. Some people lost their jobs because businesses were affected. There was a change. Suddenly, human lifestyle deviated from the norm. It was social distancing. No visitations. No partying. No hugs. All forms of human interactions were limited. Hand sanitisers, tissue, and face masks sold massively. Remote working became the order of the day. Working from home does not seem weird anymore. During this period, I wondered how people who had to go out daily to 'hustle' made their daily income. The lockdown and the effects of the COVID19 were not only depressing, it seemed unending. The media bombarded us with alarming news. The fear was contagious. People had to secure their mental health or risk losing it all.

However, amid the lockdown, there were still opportunities. People became more innovative. Ideas flowed. There was now a better way of doing things. I was contacted for job offerings in the lockdown! It was not that bad since we had time to bond with family more and focus on personal growth and development.

I'm grateful that the GBG/ WomenWill Festac community still had its events though online. We had about five webinars with high profile speakers and resource persons. We focused on Women empowerment for International Women's Day. Thankful to have had a powerful panel remarkable of women excelling in their various fields composed of Temitope Ooye, Dolapo Sijuwade -Oni, Jokotade Shonowo, and Chika Ilang.We also had a webinar on Storytelling with an expert, John Maduforo. The feedback was overwhelming. We also brought Tosin Faniro Dada, all the way from Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to enlighten us on funding, especially for startups. That was not all, Adeosun Adewole taught on managing your advertising budget. We had major international collaborations with Samantha Tang and Indu Nanayakkara who are GBG Malaysia and WomenWill Sri Lanka leads respectively. Thanks to the GBG /WomenWill community and team, we made it happen!

Can I mention the year 2020 without giving props to the African Women In Technology(AWIT) platform? For the first time, I had the opportunity to share my knowledge with a global audience at their well-organised online conference. I marvelled seeing myself on fliers with other world-class speakers. I was able to speak on blogging and content writing then personal branding subsequently.

In 2020, I got opportunities, some I grabbed, others I narrowly missed. The painful one was when I was denied participating in a fully-paid destination workshop. The denial happened at the last minute after being selected.  They gave a flimsy excuse about why they can't go further with my candidacy. However, I'm thankful I saw the information on my selection first in my spam box. I rarely look at my spam emails. What would have happened if I didn't see I was selected at first?

In the blogging sphere, there were massive collaborations. Do you know the feeling of being found? That people discover you and what you do through your blog? And they want to partner with you on your platform? That is massive!

Other highlights I am grateful for is winning the MAC makeup giveaway. The gifts have made life much easier. I participated in several webinars and online conferences. That of African NXT rewarded me with so much data and Union Bank gave me a free Jumia voucher. Would I forget that of the Pride Women Conference? Being part of the formidable team, I got a juicy package that set off Christmas quite early for me.

Of course, I would be insensitive to not mention the #EndSARS protest. Nobody would forget 2020 in a hurry after the Lekki Toll Gate shooting. Nigerian soldiers fired live ammunition on a group of protesters on October 20th, 2020. Though the number of deaths is still controversial, many patriotic youths lost their lives in the struggle for a better Nigeria. The #EndSARS protest against police brutality which started peaceful got hijacked by hoodlums. It resulted in anarchy and lawlessness. Several people's businesses were looted, people lived in fear and sadness. It was saddening to be a Nigerian especially as the government lacked empathy, refused to take responsibility or show remorse.

This year, I made new connections, thanks to social media. Also reconnected with old ones, thanks to social media again. It was a pleasure to volunteer for Lagos Food Bank outreaches aimed at eliminating poverty and hunger. I particularly enjoyed the outreach that took us to a water settlement in a 'flying' boat.

And yes! I went back to my roots after 16 long years. It was joy overfull to see family and friends again. Though a short visit, trust a geographer, we explored the area and the neighbouring villages and regions. It was a much-needed break. Besides I needed a change of environment and a new experience during the yuletide season. Did I have fun? Yes sure. Enjoying the experience, I tried to capture all the moments.

This year, my father gave me a huge amount of money as a parting gift. I have never received such an amount in my entire life. Almost carried away with the impulse to overspend, I made serious investments of which I am not regretful. 

Have you failed at something? Or probably thought you are never a good fit? My God proved me wrong and gave me a second chance( not one, not two ....several) to recover. This was my story, this is my song for 2020:) I must have left some things out but this were the major highlights.

In all, it was not a bad year, after all, so I believe this year 2021 would be better by God's grace oo for everyone! Amen