Diary Entry
My Journey of Growth Through Technology and Leadership
One App,
Many Uses
When I look back at my journey, I realize that two guiding lights, technology and leadership, have shaped who I am today. I was born and raised in Jigawa State, Nigeria, where opportunities were not always readily available, but curiosity and determination pushed me forward. From an early age, I was fascinated by how things worked, whether it was opening up electrical appliances at home or helping others solve simple technical problems. This passion for problem-solving later grew into a career path deeply rooted in technology, education, and leadership.
My academic journey began with a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in Electrical and Electronics, which gave me not only technical knowledge but also the ability to share it with others. Later, I pursued a Bachelor of Technology in Building Technology at Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, which broadened my perspective on design, infrastructure, and sustainability. Currently, I am advancing further through a Bachelor of Computer Applications at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University in India. Each stage of study has added depth to my understanding of how technology can be harnessed to solve real-world challenges.
But my growth has never been just academic. I discovered early that leadership is not about titles, it is about responsibility and service. My leadership journey began by mentoring younger students in my community, guiding them through online learning, preparing for JAMB examinations, and exploring digital tools. Over time, I realized that leadership means inspiring others to see possibilities in themselves, even when life’s challenges feel overwhelming.
One of the pivotal moments in my journey was becoming the North West Ambassador for LEAF Africa, an organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking. Later, I became a UPG Sustainability Leader, mobilizing people and organizations to support positive citizen leadership on sustainability. These platforms allowed me to advocate for vulnerable populations, run awareness campaigns, and build partnerships with youth and community leaders. They taught me that true leadership requires courage, empathy, and persistence, especially when standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Technology has always been at the core of my growth. I completed certifications in web design, Python programming, cyber threat management, monitoring and evaluation, and transformational leadership. These skills allowed me not only to build solutions but also to empower others. I facilitated training programs on freelancing, digital literacy, and online safety, teaching young people how to use digital tools to learn, earn, and protect themselves online. Each time I saw a young person gain confidence and independence, I felt the ripple effect of knowledge spreading further than I could imagine.
Another turning point came through my involvement with organizations such as NITDA, AIIDEV, UPG, LEAF Africa, 3MTT, DSN, and ILEAD Africa. Through them, I worked on projects at the intersection of technology, climate action, and sustainable development. I contributed to initiatives that explored renewable energy as a way to mitigate climate change and projects that used technology for malaria and infectious disease control. These opportunities made me appreciate how interconnected our global challenges are, and how innovation can be a bridge toward solutions.
My entrepreneurial venture, MS Marke Venture, reflects this vision of sustainability and innovation. By farming crops like rice, maize, and wheat while also exploring opportunities in the digital economy, I aim to merge traditional practices with modern approaches. For me, entrepreneurship rooted in community needs can drive both economic empowerment and social impact.
Of course, my journey has not been without challenges. Balancing education, leadership roles, and personal responsibilities has tested my resilience many times. There were moments when resources were scarce, when setbacks felt insurmountable, and when I questioned whether my efforts were enough. Yet every obstacle became a lesson in perseverance. I learned that growth requires patience, consistency, and the courage to adapt. Most importantly, I learned to trust in Allah’s plan, finding strength in faith whenever the path seemed uncertain.
Today, I see myself not just as an individual pursuing success, but as part of a larger movement, where young Africans are leveraging technology, education, and leadership to transform their societies. My dream is to keep building bridges between knowledge and action, between innovation and humanity. Whether through fighting human trafficking, empowering youth with digital skills, or contributing to climate solutions, I want my story to reflect resilience, service, and hope.
This diary entry is not just a reflection of my past; it is a reminder of the path I am still walking. Growth is a continuous process, and I know there is much more to learn and achieve. I remain committed to using technology as a tool for empowerment and leadership as a channel for impact. With every step, I aim to inspire others to believe in their potential and to work together for a better future.
I hope my journey inspires readers worldwide to believe in the power of perseverance, learning, and service. No matter your background or circumstances, growth is possible. Technology and leadership can be powerful tools for change, tools to uplift others, empower communities, and tackle global challenges like human trafficking, climate change, and digital exclusion. If my story shows anything, it is that small steps, taken with courage and purpose, can create meaningful impact in the world we share.
Musbahu Saleh