Every business on our portfolio started with a decision to invest in skills. Mine started in Abakaliki, with a friend, a mentor and one unusual choice.
Discovering the internet
My friend Urogwu Innocent and I were introduced to the vast world of the internet through the guidance of Basil Obute, CEO of Sozo Network. His support has never stopped. When I count my blessings, I count Sozo twice.
Choosing skills over pay
As third-year Computer Science students, it was time for our Industrial Training. Most of our course mates applied to companies in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, where they would be paid while they worked. Innocent and I made a different choice. We stayed in Abakaliki and paid 25,000 naira to Nuclus Technologies to learn real computer skills. We believed computer scientists should not graduate without them.
The first reward
The decision paid off sooner than we expected. Our final-year projects needed working software, and classmates began paying us to help build theirs. When Innocent got paid for his first gig, we went to the market and cooked a pot of egusi soup. We have never forgotten that taste, or that feeling.
My first website project
Shortly after graduation, the Marist Brothers of the Schools, Province of Nigeria trusted me with my very first commercial website. I put everything into it, and they loved the result. At the final presentation they handed me a cheque for 100,000 naira, my full payment. I celebrated with a whole grilled chicken from Mr Bigg's. It was proof that learning the skill had been the right call.
From graphic design to copywriting and video editing
I started on Fiverr as a graphic designer, then added copywriting, which really paid off. Design taught me how to make a brand look right, and writing for clients around the world taught me how to sell an idea in a few words. I still use both in every script, website and campaign. From there I moved into video editing, which grew into one of the core services we offer today.
Executive Director, Zovix Realty Ltd
My journey has since taken me into real estate. I am currently the Executive Director of Zovix Realty Ltd, where the same skills in websites, video and branding help us market properties and build trust with clients.
Mikibrown Tech
Each step sparked a passion to keep learning and to turn knowledge into real results for clients. Today, Mikibrown Tech brings web development, video editing, video branding, promotional video content and graphic design under one roof, serving clients from Nigeria to the United States, Canada and Europe.
“Never overlook the significance of acquiring digital skills.”Omebe Emechebe Kingsley
I am grateful to the people whose work has inspired me along the way, including Ifiok Nkem, Akpomedaye O. Victory, Gary Vaynerchuk, Neil Patel, Ryan Deiss, Rand Fishkin, Larry Kim and Pam Moore.
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