Mary Igboanugo: Every woman/girl should hone their digital skills

Mary Igboanugo is not the girl next door, she is someone who we define as a goldfish that has no hiding place. She is good at what she does and loves to support others in the same mission. We belong to the same Google Business Group Festac so that was how we got to know ourselves. Do you know how it feels to put up a post without one single support, Mary does this effortlessly because she understands the value of being a 'sister's keeper'. It is beyond lip service or flattery, it is more about encouragement that what goes around comes around.

Omote Ro Dhe caught up with this amazing lady expecting her to let us into her world. Mary gladly obliged. Out of the mouth of this amazon flowed wisdom and knowledge. This buttress that we can learn anything and everything from everybody. Read excerpts from the interesting chat below:

Keep it up in your work as a Freelance Creative Writer and social media strategist, can you share how your journey has been so far?

It has been a beautiful journey but not without the bumps. I started writing in my teens but dropped it to pursue other dreams. Fast forward to several years, and I picked it up as a side hustle. But I couldn't resist turning simple words into beautiful stories or articles so I took it up full time.

What have been the benefits of your volunteer work at The Creative Kidzone?

Oh, words cannot describe the joy I feel when the kids are delighted to learn something new and they eventually become proficient at it. As a volunteer, I have the opportunity to meet a lot of people and build my network. I've met professionals who have turned out to be mentors and wonderful friends.

If you were not a creative writer and social media strategist, what would you have been doing?

I'd probably be up there in the International Space Station. I've always wanted to be an astronaut.

In this period of the COVID-19 pandemic, how has it been for you? How has it affected your personal brand?

The pandemic has given my career the boost it needed. I had more time to develop my skills and explore other opportunities.

What keeps you going in your line of work?

I'm excited at every chance to inform an audience or slip into a character's mind and tell a story. Setting goals and achieving them is also a motivation. With each milestone, I feel I can do better and go on to the next goal.

How do you relax?

I'm content watching the sunset in brilliant colours.

What is your take on education especially for girls? What is that one skill every girl/woman in today's world should strive to have?

Technology is evolving and to stay abreast with the change, it's important to hone some digital skills

Do you have some projects you are working on currently and can you share them with us?

At the moment I'm focused on building my personal brand.

Who are some of the women that you look up to and why?

Bolanle Samuel, her daily affirmations and prayers are a treasure.

Akpo'diddie Patricia Uyeh taught me to celebrate little wins. And I won't forget the first #IamRemarkable session I attended. She was the organizer and it made a lasting impression on me.

Nkechi First, she has pushed hard against all odds and her story reminds me not to rest on my oars.

Working with Damilola Soyombo exposed me to a lot of tasks that required improving my digital skills and building my network.