Social media connects destinies

I have seen the power of social media in my life. I can attest that social media when used with good intention is powerful indeed. Let me repeat this again, social media is powerful. It is more powerful when used with good intentions. I happen to be a living witness of this power and I live to tell these tales. 

I  am an avid social media user. Social media is one of the channels that I share my blog posts on. Yes of course, I will be found active on these streets. Well, LinkedIn in particular is a platform I use to build my network. I have been very intentional about strategically building connections and positioning myself on LinkedIn. I do this with the hope to connect Africans across the continent. I  am also a firm believer that we need people and relationships to succeed. Hence, it is crucial that I continuously build networks and share my stories online. I’ve been networking on LinkedIn for the past five years. 

So, I have been here for some time and it warms my heart when the people I’ve met online stay in touch with me. Some end up becoming my friends, brothers and lifelong sisters. I will eternally remain grateful and humble because of such encounters. Personally, I have LinkedIn to  thank for allowing me to spread my wings on this platform and reach as many people as I can.

It also warms my heart that through LinkedIn I can make an impact with my stories. I think the absurd part about this is that I never really considered my stories as impactful. Well, in my view I am just sharing my passion with the community. I am just sharing my thoughts, views and analysis here online. 

Therefore ,for connections to want to meet me is a blessing and indeed an honour. 

So on the 27th August 2024, I met a very prominent leader and prolific writer who referred to me as his hero. I connected with Joseph Asunka in 2021. One of the reasons that inspired me to request to follow Joseph is because of the Afrobarometer organisation. Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan research network that measures public altitudes on political, social and economic matters in Africa. I personally take an interest in the political, social and economic matters in Africa. 

Afrobarometer hosts very insightful webinars where the data is presented and many leaders are given platforms to share findings. From time to time I register to listen and take part in the webinars. They are very beneficial and I highly recommend that you follow the page for more information. 

Back to how Joseph and I connected. I was on a webinar that he was a panelist on and I happen to be gracefully blowing up the comments. If I remember correctly the webinar was related to gender equality. Joseph then privately messaged me. He complimented and supported my views. That was the beginning and we cemented the connection to date. 

Fast forward to our meeting. Two weeks ago, I shared on my LinkedIn platform that I am in Durban and he reached out. The rest is destiny. Joseph Asunka, my newly found mentor, is amazing. If you don’t know which Joseph I am referring to, he has served as CEO at Afrobarometer since April 2021. Previously, a Program officer Global Development and  Population  at William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. He managed a portfolio of grants that support efforts to increase transparency and accountability; in fiscal governance and foster citizen participation to improve public services in developing countries. 

It was indeed a blessing and honour meeting Joseph. My intention for sharing this encounter piece is to adhere to young people to take full advantage of building connections online. In addition, do not take the role you play on social media for granted. There are people online who are impacted by the contributions that you are making online. Continue to share your thoughts and views politely online. There are people who take an interest and are actually learning from your insights. 

Continue to connect to the organisations that you take an interest in. Join their webinars, contribute to discussions and react to their posts. Like myself, take responsibility by being accountable to your online community. Show up for them even on days when it seems impossible to show up. Never take for granted that you are changing lives.

I personally don’t take it lightly when the online community responds to me and gives me feedback. With that said, thank you so much Joseph. Thank you for taking time to meet me. Thank you for the life changing conversations, contributions and wisdom.

I am, because you are. 

Thank you online community for always reading and keeping up with my content. 

It is humbling and a blessing  to know that some would love to meet me. 

This is grace. 

I am not affiliated to any political party. I am affiliated to the Africans. 

The views that  I share are mine and not affiliated to any employer. These views are not meant to bring harm.

Let’s talk about Africa. Which African country should I visit next? 

Read Africa. Write about Africa. Put Africa first!

The hashtag to follow is #africabelongstoUS , #amplifyingvoices, #authenticstories  

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