INTERVIEW WITH MRS. MARYAM MACKSON NWOGA

Intro: Mrs. Maryam Mackson Nwoga is a young entrepreneur who believes in the value of hard work and dignity in labour. She is also a coach in the field of entrepreneurialship. She finds fulfilment in mentoring people to achieving desired returns on investment in their respective businesses.

Highly philosophical and principled, Maryam does not compromise on core moral values even in the market places of life.

A pious christian and a devout Catholic, Maryam lives her faith beyond words.

Newly married, Maryam holds the opinion that women should always support their husbands financially and otherwise in order to ease the family burdens.

Based in Lagos, Nigeria, this young, charismatic and cheerful lady granted this interview with Global Achievers Media.

GAM: Can we meet you?

MARYAM: I am Mrs. Maryam Mackson Nwoga. I hail from Ekwuoma in Abavo, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State. I am the first child of my father amongst nine children and I am the second child of my mother out of six. I grew up with my Aunt (my mother’s older sister). I had my primary education at Adiaha Obong Nursery and Primary School, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State. I attended Mary Immaculate Girls’ Juniorate, Iwuru, Biase Local Government Area  of Cross River State for my secondary education. Thereafter, I proceeded to the Cross River University of  Technology where I earned a B.Sc., in Mass Communication. I served with the Nigerian Television Authority, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State as a News Reporter and Presenter during the one year mandatory National Youth Service scheme. I have a professional diploma from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Lagos. I also hold a Master of Arts degree in Performance Studies from the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan. Now, Ph.d is on my mind. (smiles).

GAM: How were your growing up days like?

MARYAM: I grew up in a strict environment. There was no time for frivolities. I also started behaving maturely from a tender age because my Aunt was a disciplinarian and she was the first female graduate in Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State. She was a single mum and quite close to God. She instilled those qualities in all of us she trained then as her biological and foster children and she was a super amazing philanthropist. She is still alive. My background is polygamous in nature. Traveling was also a regular thing for me. During my university days, I stayed with my uncle (my mother’s older brother) and family. While on holidays, I always traveled to see my Dad in Kano.  When my Dad relocated to Ibadan, I started travelling to Lagos to see my Mum and Ibadan to see my Dad and back to Calabar for studies. Shortly before marriage, I stayed with my uncle and family (my mother’s younger brother) Hon. Justice Peter Odo Lifu. I never really had time for anything that would distract me. In all, the experiences I had growing up helped shaped me into who I am today.

GAM: What really do you love to do?

MARYAM: I love to read, surf the net, travel, watch and read interviews of influential people in the society and I love networking with people.

GAM: Can you say something about your occupation?

MARYAM: I am an entrepreneur. I coach interested people on how to generate substantial income to fund their new or existing projects. I try as much as possible to provide assistance and support as well. We are in the era of connected economy, for every small business owner the potential for value is created by making and strengthening connections.

GAM: What is the motivation behind what you do?

MARYAM: Helping others and a better future. To see change in people lives, to meet target and goals and overcome challenges.

GAM: Can you tell us your perception about the media world?

MARYAM: The Media are power tools for disseminating information. They can be very educating and entertaining. But the effects can be hostile as well. Whether film, television, radio, print or the internet, we are in the age of information overload. I think people should be selective of what they expose themselves to because the media can be either used positively or negatively. They can make us think in a particular way. Also, they can influence public opinion and change our perceptions. For the social media, I would say with the proliferation of social media platforms, people should be conscious and careful of what they put out there, because it could be used for or against them in future.

GAM: What is your idea about entrepreneurship?

 MARYAM: It is the capacity and willingness to develop, organise and manage a business venture along with any of its risk in order to make profit. Entrepreneurs never think of themselves as victims. They train their minds to problem-solve every issue that crosses their paths. Entrepreneurship gives you the freedom to pursue your own vision and the control and flexibility you have over your own vision and finally the sense of pride and fulfillment in accomplishing things. Entrepreneurs are not naturally born but nurturally made. Someone said, “Entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart. It is for the brave, the patient and the persistent. It’s for the overcomer.”

GAM: What are some of the challenges you have encountered so far in the business world?

MARYAM: For me, it is about trust and conviction. People do business with people they know, like and trust. And most strangers might not do business with you if you have not built some form of relationship with them over time. The kind of business I do, I prospect online most times, some join me others do not, question is what next? Those that have joined I focus on mentorship and leadership. Another challenge is better innovative culture. My team and I focus on more creative strategies and better innovation processes.

GAM: What is your favourite food?

MARYAM: I Cannot really say because I am not a “food” person. I can cook for others but I do not take food seriously. Does not sound cool but it is true. Let me just say Fried rice and salad, Afang soup and Semovita could pass as my favourites...

GAM: What about your favourite music?

MARYAM: Gospel music

GAM: What really inspires you?

MARYAM: More than anything else, I want to please God and make the most out of my life. I get inspiration in many places and spaces. I get inspired listening to people experiences. I am most inspired by the word of God that I read everyday. I also get inspired by investigating my life and knowing that I am still alive to fulfill my purpose. A bit like an archaeologist who is digging for clues. God has a reason why I am still here. I have a strong desire, confidence and enthusiasm that my goals will be accomplished no matter how long it takes. Mother Teresa would say: “Wherever God has put you, that is your vocation. It is not what we do but how much love we put into it.

GAM: Who is your role model?

MARYAM: Mother Teresa of Calcutta

GAM: Can you talk about life as a newly married woman and how did you meet your husband?

MARYAM: I would say life has been good by the grace of God. God has been super faithful. One of my friends (he’s more like a brother) uploaded two of my pictures in his opinion poll platform on Facebook. He profiled me on his platform. He posted as thus; Age: over ripe, wife material, Rev. Sister Spec. etc. My husband happens to be his friend on Facebook and his senior in high school then. My husband commented and requested the guy to hook him up with me as soon as possible and he also said “wife search Deactivated”. My husband got my mobile phone contact  on Facebook and called. Then, I was in Abuja. He called one evening and introduced himself and asked to know my origin. I was infuriated and I did not respond too nicely. I wondered why a stranger would be asking for my details. Who does that? The call ended in an unfriendly manner. Probably, he felt disappointed. I did not hear from him again until after about two weeks. One day, on my way to work in the morning, he called and I asked whom I was speaking with, he mentioned his name and I asked: “You don vex finish?" He laughed. My husband said what he read in the opinion poll that struck him was “Rev. Sister Spec." Moreover, my older brother was in the country then for his US visa interview and we were together. I asked if he knew my husband and he responded by saying he knows him very well and that they were classmates in high school. He went further to say that he knows his parents and his elder brother. My brother and my husband’s elder brother in Europe have been communicating. If my brother had made a negative comment about him, maybe, I would have withdrawn. Later, I  discovered that both families had known for some years back in the village unknown to me. I have always wanted to date for marriage and not just date. At twenty-nine, I had not dated anyone. I saw that we were compatible in some areas; we are both Catholics and Lectors which is super cool to me. We prayed and…

GAM: What are the possible ways of combining marriage and career pursuits successfully for a young woman?

MARYAM: It is a bit difficult but is very possible with determination and the zeal to make it work. You have to be prayerful and hardworking because you have to go out there and get things done because there are bills to pay (water, light, DSTV, gas, name). If left for one person without the needed  support, it would be burdensome. We need to prioritise our activities by getting first things done first; by nature we women can multi-task. Have the ‘it-must-work” mentality and make effort to do the needful at all times whether at work or at home.

GAM: Can you mention a few people who have been sources of encouragement to you?

MARYAM: In terms of religion, Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary. In terms of my family, my Aunt, Madam Anthonia Ofie Lifu, I see her as my senior mother. My mother also grew up with her.  She makes effort to feed and train other people children. She is very selfless. Most times, I follow the principles she has laid. Those principles have taught me how to live in the society. I am a product of her efforts. In business area,  Aliko Dangote (GCON), remains a great source of encouragement.

GAM: What advice do you have for other youths?

MARYAM: I would advise youths to be focused and get their priorities right. There is a better life to be lived. It is not only about the present life you are living now but the beautiful future ahead. Do not always worry about what others are doing or not doing or what your enemies are up to, be more concerned about the activities of God. Always, remember that life is spiritual. Pray and watch God fix things. To wear the crown you must pass through the cross. To get to the promised land, you must pass through the wilderness. Pay the price now and enjoy later. Muhammad Ali said “I hated every minute of training, but I said, don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion”. Everyday is a great day, use it wisely. Always remember, it is not over until you win. Never underestimate the power of prayer.

GAM: What really do you want to be remembered for?

MARYAM: I want to be remembered as a phenomenal woman, highly extra-ordinary and someone who impacted on lives positively.