“There are stories we do not tell, not because they are not true but because they are too vulnerable and leave us bare when we share.”
This year, those words felt truer than ever. My 2024 was a tapestry woven with triumphs, transitions, surprises, and soul-searching moments. It was a year where my ambitions met reality, sometimes with grace and other times with grit. Let me take you through my year — one that has left an indelible mark on who I am and set the stage for an even brighter 2025.
A COO
The year began with a bang as I was promoted to Chief Operating Officer at Taltrix by Tech4Dev. Stepping into this role was both exhilarating and humbling. I embraced the opportunity to lead with purpose, focusing on positioning Taltrix as Africa’s recruitment powerhouse, providing top-tier talents to industries across the globe. The role came with its challenges — tough decisions, sleepless nights, and uncharted territories — but it also became a platform to amplify my vision for sustainable talent development across Africa.
Sierra Leone: A Journey of Impact
My work took me to Sierra Leone this year — a country I came to admire deeply. Collaborating with the government to align technology and innovation with their national development plan was a professional milestone and a deeply personal one. I immersed myself in their vision for progress, contributing to the Big 5 Agenda and laying the groundwork for initiatives that will outlast our lifetimes.
Sierra Leone wasn’t just about work. It became a stage for serendipity and joy. For the first time in years, I won a surprise gift at a local event — a moment that left me laughing like a child. And then there was Mohamad, my friend of over seven years. Meeting him in Sierra Leone felt like a reunion of kindred spirits, and our conversations reminded me of the power of enduring friendships.
Celebrations, Surprises, and a Best Man’s Duty
This year wasn’t all work. One of the highlights was standing beside one of my closest friends Seun as his best man at his wedding. The honour was more than a role; it was a testament to our bond and the milestones we’ve witnessed in each other’s lives.
Returning home from Sierra Leone, my team surprised me with a cake and a thoughtful gift. Their gesture reaffirmed the power of a supportive team — a family bound by shared goals and mutual respect.
Later in the year, December brought a special celebration: my Somkele’s first birthday. His laughter, surrounded by family, was a moment that brought everything full circle, reminding me why I push as hard as I do.
Teaching Moments: Passing the Torch
One of the most fulfilling parts of my year was teaching. At the Techmybiz Accelerator workshop, I guided startups through the intricacies of the Business Model Canvas, sparking lightbulb moments in eager entrepreneurs. Later, at the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Innovators Program, I taught Innovation and Creativity. These sessions reminded me that knowledge shared is power multiplied, and they solidified my belief in Africa’s boundless potential.
The Weight of Decisions and the Search for Home
Not every moment was easy. This year tested my resolve to make difficult choices — some that kept me awake at night. Balancing growth, responsibility, and personal integrity was no small feat. Amid the chaos, I was also searching for a home in Lagos, a quest that stretched over six months. The process taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of knowing what truly matters when you’re building a space to call your own.
GET Accelerated: A Legacy in Motion
The GET Accelerated program was another crown jewel this year. Supporting founders with funding, resources, and mentorship has been a labour of love. Watching these startups grow feels like watching seeds sprout into mighty trees — a legacy that I am proud to be part of.
Reflections and Rewinds
As the year drew to a close, LinkedIn became my mirror, reflecting a year of progress and purpose. The connections I made, the milestones I celebrated, and the stories I shared painted a picture of resilience and growth.
The holidays brought a special kind of peace. I spent the season cooking and spending time with my family. As I type this 2024 recap, I have just finished baking our New Year’s cake. The aroma of puff-puff and spring rolls, which I’m preparing for today’s family breakfast, fills the air. These quiet, intimate moments with loved ones remind me of the joy in simplicity and the importance of nurturing the bonds that ground us.
I started writing this piece with “There are stories we do not tell, not because they are not true but because they are too vulnerable and leave us bare when we share.” And true to it, I have intentionally left some stories out, not because they are confidential (some are though) but because my heart still wants to hold them close for a while, perhaps one day I will share them but not today. This year I did some amazing things that I wish I could write about and share with the world but I have an NDA lol.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The lessons of 2024 have paved the way for a purposeful 2025. Next year, My motto is JUST DO IT!
2025 holds immense promise, and I am determined to make it a year of significance. It is a year to dream bigger, act with intention, and ensure that every step forward brings others along. 2024 was a mosaic of highs and lows, victories and vulnerabilities. As I step into the new year, I carry with me the lessons, the laughter, and the love that have shaped me. The stories I’ve chosen to tell — and the ones I’ve kept close — are all part of a year I will never forget.
Thanks to my bosses- Oladiwura Oladepo and Joel Ogunsola for the trust and support. To my amazing team, you all made it happen!
