Caption: This is me on a Pent-house in Victoria Island, Lagos. Overlooking the business district of the most populous city in West Africa
The Local Guide program means a lot to me, than just sharing images and descriptions of places I visit. It has become part of my community responsibility to the public.
Not until I reached Level 5 as a Local Guide did I really began to understand the amount of impact my location reviews and images meant to others hoping to find a place, like business districts and event centres, or help those with disabilities find accessible locations.
Whenever I receive emails of users who have seen my contributions, it encourages me to keep sharing, knowing that it can be of benefit to dispatch riders, tourist, students and road commuters. It has been an opportunity to truly do something exciting and purposeful.
Interestingly with Local Guide, I’ve been able to help promote local businesses by leaving unbiased reviews of what potential customers can find, especially when it is not a public knowledge.
It’s now part of my routine to share images and contributions of places I visit, and this is especially relevant in areas where I find less details. It gives me satisfaction to know that people find my reviews helpful, and when I go to somewhere new around Lagos, I want to take pictures and find details that would help someone else locate easily.
Each time I tell my friends, Google Map sent me a message that my reviews and images has helped a number of people, they always ask me "are you paid for the services? " No is the answer. Rather, I help them see that thousands of people have benefited using it and to be honest, it’s enough motivation and satisfaction for me.
Caption: My family and I, enjoying an outdoor event in Amore Gardens
To Google Map team who created the initiative in providing a global solution for everyday commuters and local businesses, I appreciate you all