2021 - The Birth of a New Dispensation
Tags: yearinreview, productivity, performance, career
Published: 2021-12-31 18:33:57

It's the eve of 2022, time does really fly. 

I started the year 2021 with a few grief and letdowns. Trying to get back on my feet, the post Covid era really envisioned processable ambition, but I encountered more of discrepancies in the making of my inner man.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/2bx6wp4zi2w8lagtxyoa.png)

Howbeit, I won't cease to pen down some remarkable steps and events that happened this year.
I am Stephen, a software developer - passionate about web & cloud technology and building tech related community.
In January, I got appointed as the north central coordinator for Nigeria Association of Computing Students (NACOS). The north central zone has 7 states mapped to it (Abuja, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau & Benue). 

Interacting with Tech Lawyers at Venture Pack - Tech & Chill.

I assisted friends and distinguished colleagues around me attain some height during these times. Getting back on track, as reading seems strenuous and with constant academic structs. 

The tension associated with writing final year thesis was traumatic, as I almost failed some of my courses.
NACOS week competition and HOD's Award for Excellence.

I became the pioneer lead for Google Developer Student Club in my school (2020/2021) and also became the Google Developer Group Lead for Lokoja. My team and I organised NACOS Week, Google Study Jams, Hackathons, Conference, Award nights and Tech - posium during this while, these actions was to foster the growth of problem solver in the school.

My final year thesis “Instant procurement of Cryptocurrency using influencer’s tweets” got submitted for BAI. It got an initial approval — but later got disapproved. The comment ensued was really helpful, as my supervisor reinstated his aid to getting it approved and ready for departmental publication.

Around July, while I was surfing through the internet. I got to learn about great tech companies in Nigeria, relocating to other country. This prompted a group of concerned individual to prepare a bill to make the ecosystem conducive for local tech startup. This was the Nigeria Startup Bill (NSB) — I volunteered in taking lots of roles and participated in cities tours and ranking NSB post on Google (SEO Optimisation).

Did I mention I got an employment letter after my final paper? Yes, I've been the CTO of Lendify & Kohwope Limited. The interview/appointment came shortly I posted my sign out pictures.

I got featured on FSI facebook page for anchoring the #IamRemarkable session during the NACOS National Software Summit at Nile University.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/a3s8wqzgdrcax2myr92g.jpg)

As a certified - Gold Facilitator for Google #IamRemarkable initiative - a Google initiative empowering women and other underrepresented groups to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond. I am available to speak at your workshops & conference in 2022, do well to reach out to me on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.

I had lot of remarkable highlight for the year, but not limited to:

- I chaired the local organizing commitee for the NACOS Zonal Conference as the North Central Coordinator and Chairman.
- I became an AWS Community Builder, I expect my swag kits in few days. I will write about it, also.
- I attended the Nigeria Computer Society 2021 National Conference at Uyo.
- I graduated with second class upper from Federal University Lokoja.
- I became an ambassador of AkolagTech, and we are rolling out our Campus Ambassador program new programs by January.
- I had speaking engagement this year, ranging from speaking at NACOS events, GDSC study jam & workshops, Google Developer Festival in Jos & Abuja.

I would not love to bore you with loads of convocation pics, but I won’t resist the urge to post this.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/e8hzzmne2mvknmw98hyv.jpg)

Oh I almost forgot to add that I got lots of rejection email from my dream companies — but we meouve.

I had no goals set for 2021, but I am glad I was able to do a lot and even took some remarkable steps. I am forever indebted to God, my family, and friends for aiding the process — through thick and thin.

I have nothing planned for 2022 but I know everything would work out fine as it would. 2022 is for upskilling, unlearning to learn, building & deploying, collaborating, and contributing.

Thank you for the memories made in 2021. Let’s do more in 2022 ❤️.
Happy new year in advance 🥳