At the Africa-Russia Summit in Moscow, something truly surreal happened. A young Russian woman approached me, visibly excited, and asked, “Oh my goodness, are you Wode Maya?” When I said yes, she could hardly contain her excitement. She told me that MGIMO University, one of Russia’s most prestigious universities, had published a book titled 100 African Leaders and Influencers, and I was among those featured in it.
Honestly, I was overwhelmed. Imagine travelling all the way to Russia and discovering that a university had recognised your work enough to include you in a book celebrating 100 African leaders and influencers. I initially thought it was a joke until she showed me a digital copy.
But the story didn’t end there. The following day, one of the university professors personally brought an English-language copy of the book to my hotel.
Sometimes, you get so caught up in the journey that you forget how far you’ve come and how many lives your work might be touching beyond the places you have travelled.
I started this journey simply wanting to tell Africa’s stories differently and change the negative narrative about our continent. I never imagined that one day, my work would find its way into a book published in Russia.
I’m genuinely humbled, grateful and overwhelmed. This is bigger than me. ❤️🌍
@Efyakimora Continue changing my perspective about Nigeria 🇳🇬. I used to have a very bad one but through you, it's getting better 😂. I can boldly tell you that, Nigeria never appears on my African countries to explore but I'm getting convinced anytime I come across your videos.
@_blackofans KK Rasta, will be grateful 🥲 if you bless me with one of the bikes so I get to work early. Trotro and traffic dey kill me 😭. Thanks in advance 🤸🏿♂️..