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Tag: interview

  • My interview not meant to denigrate ASUU, says Fayemi

    The Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi has dispelled insinuations that he denigrated the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) during a recent press interview in France, where he alluded to the fact that the union and tertiary institutions have fared better under President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    In a recent statement, released by his Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, he stressed, that, the interview has been misconstrued by chapters of ASUU as a direct comment on salaries of professors and undue meddling in the affairs of the union.

    According to him, the thrust of the interview was the need for honest debate on basic and tertiary education in the country. The reference to salaries of professors was only a light–hearted response to a question about his thoughts on the quality of university professors’ salaries.

    Also, contrary to insinuations that the interview took place during the President’s interactive session with the Nigerian Community, the interview actually took place a day after the event, he claimed.

    “I made bold to say that no government has done as much as this government. Not just for ASUU, but for tertiary education in our country. Is it enough? Absolutely, it is not going to be enough. We have to keep doing more.

    “But ask yourself what was the average wage in the university system before. A university professor earn more than me as a governor. My salary as a governor is N500,000. Most University professors earn about the same amount if not more.

    Read also: ASUU carpets Fayemi on earned salary of professor, governor

    “Yes, you may argue that there are other opportunities available, there are also other opportunities that are available that are not being taken advantage of by our academics. I can say a little bit about this because this is my terrain.

    ”I do not think that ASUU on its own strength can argue that government has not done well. There is hardly any institution in Nigeria today, including states universities that have not had the benefit of intervention.

    “It is either the government is building an auditorium or rehabilitating a laboratory, or improving on students hostels in virtually all the universities as I speak to you. That is what TETFUND does via their intervention funds. That again is not the complete solution.

    “There is need to revisit a whole lot of things about education policy,” he said, adding that, as someone from the university system, there is no way he can denigrate professors and the teaching profession.

  • Lagos conducts oral scholarship interview for 600

    The Lagos State Scholarship Board on Saturday put 600 students through oral interviews to ascertain their claims of being from the state and eligibility for 2016/2017 local scholarship offered by the government.

    Mr Stephen Oshinowo, the Executive Secretary of the board, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the candidates needed to be interviewed to authenticate their claims of Lagos being their state of origin.

    “Out of over 3000 candidates who sat for the computer based test in February 2017, only 600 candidates scored 43 per cent cut-off mark.

    “We reduced the cut-off mark to 43 per cent to give more candidates opportunity to benefit from the scholarship.

    “The candidates must attend the oral interview to substantiate their claim to Lagos,” he said.

    Oshinowo said three panelists, selected from the five administrative divisions — Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos and Epe, were brought in to interview the candidates.

    He said that the local scholarship was for exceptionally brilliant students, who have made 3.5 CGPA in their various institutions.

    “In 2015/2016 session, about 1121 candidates benefited from the exercise.

    “Out of the 600 candidates, those that are not recommended will still be dropped because we do not want to exceed what our budget can accommodate,” he said.

    According to him, the local scholarship covers undergraduates, Masters and PhD students, who are indigenes of the state.

    Oshinowo said that the budget for the 2016/2017 scholarship is N265 million.

    He said that the state government was aware of the economic downturn and was ready to assist indigenes of the state to pursue their academics.

    According to him, the names of the successful candidates after the exercise would be forwarded to the governor for approval and release of funds.

    Oshinowo said undergraduates would be awarded N200,000 yearly for the duration of their course, while masters students would receive N300,000 once and PhD students get N400,000 yearly for the duration of their programme.

    He, however, said that candidates must maintain 2:1 CGPA throughout their academics to continue to benefit from the scholarship.

    Mrs Kudirat Odewale, one of the panelists from Epe division, told NAN that the essence of the oral interview was to ascertain the claim of the candidates, find out their family house and history.

    Odewale said that government could not afford to waste resources on people that are not from the state.

    She said the interview was mostly conducted in native language and names also play a major role to ascertain place of origin.

    “In the past, we have seen students who claimed to be indigenes of the state but could not speak the language or identify their family house.

    “Some students go as far as collecting scholarship from two different states; all these we are trying to stop,” she said.

    One of the candidates, Miss Maume Hundenu, from Badagry division, commended the state government for setting up the scholarship to help average students, pleading that it be sustained.
    “I am satisfied with the interview process; the panelists checked my documents, my family history and ability to speak my native language.

    “It is not stressful, everything is orderly unlike the previous exercise.

    “If I get the scholarship, it will help me finance my education and not become a drop-out,” she said. (NAN)

  • The unaired part of Mrs Buhari’s interview

    At the heat of the intense pressure mounted on the BBC to stop airing the remaining part of the controversial Aisha Buhari interview a few days ago, I had the privilege of listening to the interview before it was fully aired. My good friend, the Head of the Abuja Bureau of the BBC, Naziru Mikailu, invited me to his office for comment on the interview, and directed that it be played to me before recording my comment.

    Listening to the president’s wife passionately expressing herself on how her husband runs Nigeria left me cringing. Reading between the lines, I realized Mrs. Buhari was sending SOS to Nigerians to save her husband from the clutches of the Aso Rock witches, popularly known as “Aso cabal”.

    Aisha Buhari might have pitched the nation a curve ball, but her interview is actually a deafening echo of what we’ve saying for ages about her husband. When I first raised alarm on the dangers of the influence of numero uno of the cabal, Mamman Daura, on the Buhari administration barely three weeks after Buhari took oath of office, I received all manner of insults and invective. Today a lot of my predictions have come to reality.

    But if actually the Mamman Daura cabal is the one running this country, then it appears to be a lot whose mastery does not go beyond the art of nepotism and crafts of plagiarism.

    This cabal has kept both the nation and the president under spell, leaving the economy to slide into recession, our currency to crash beyond salvation and impunity to reign supreme. This cabal suffocated a mega political party Nigerians from all regions laboured and united to build.

    It always saddens me to realize that our president has been turned into a puppet, managed by some half-witted puppeteers, who are majorly dextrose at swinging his legs to Europe, America and Asia, stretching his hand to perpetuate nepotism or opening his mouth to goof.

    From ministers to the heads of agencies, there is either portfolio misplacement or elevation of incompetence by this cabal right from the outset of the present administration. This very same cabal gave plum appointments to the progeny of the famous Kaduna mafia, some of whom even served the immediate-past administration or openly campaigned for the PDP.

    A leading member of the cabal, who is the present Chief of Staff to the president, Abba Kyari, was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan as member of the Ribadu-led Petroleum Revenue Task Force in 2012. A year earlier, Kyari had turned down Buhari’s offer to serve as the secretary of one of CPC presidential campaign committees – perhaps because Buhari had little chance of winning.

    Take the case of Sokoto ministerial nominee for instance. Any loyal party man will not be happy to see the daughter of the late Kaduna mafia Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, Aisha Abubakar appointed minister from Sokoto State. Aisha openly campaigned for the PDP governorship candidate in Sokoto State and her brother, Aminu Abubakar Alhaji, who unsuccessfully vied for Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency ticket on the platform of PDP.

    Again, no one who wishes the APC well will be happy to see Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, the daughter of another Kaduna mafia, Yahaya Hamza, appointed minister from Kaduna State. Zainab headed NEITI under Jonathan and contributed to the PDP during election.

    Any card carrying member of the APC will be saddened to see Mohammed Bello, the son of Mamman Daura’s friend, Musa Bello, appointed minister from Adamawa State. Mohammed Bello headed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria under Jonathan but was given the plum FCT ministry by the Aso cabal. I believe if he had gone against PDP, he would have been removed immediately after Jonathan lost election.

    But look at how the cabal dumped loyal party members in Enugu like Osita Okechukwu to appoint Geoffrey Enyeama, who had hitherto never met Buhari nor worked for the APC, as minister of Foreign Affairs.

    Or, will any APC politician be happy with Senator Ita Enang, a top Jonathan campaigner, as Senior Special Assistant to the president on National Assembly (Senate) or Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, also a top Jonathan campaigner, as chairman of the almighty Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, while loyal party men like Senator Magnus Abe were kicked to backstage. Senator Abe was even shot by the police during election in Rivers.

    Aisha Buhari might have been wondering where were loyal Buhari campaigners like Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, Faruq Adamu Aliyu, Dele Alake, Barrister Ismail Ahmed, Architect Waziri Bulama, Yusuf Tuga, Yakubu Lame, Dr. Hassan Lawan, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Umaru Dembo, Ubale Hashim, Umar Dangiwa, among others?

    The president’s wife and party supporters will also be incensed to see appointees of the past government still heading a number of agencies and departments. The cabal should know that party men are piqued that the 12 agencies of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources are still headed by the appointees of the past government as well as a minister, Engr Sulaiman Adamu, appointed not for his political contributions to the success of Buhari but close family ties.

    Now take a cursory look at the reappointment of Umaru Ibrahim as managing director of NDIC. Ibrahim was appointed in December 2010 by Jonathan but was reappointed by Buhari to serve another five years as if there were no competent persons within the party fold. One still wonders why the Director-General of PenCom, Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, is retained despite the fact that her appointment was initially done in violation of law. Does Buhari think his party is happy that Malam Sani Sidi, a protege of former Vice President Namadi Sambo, is still the head of National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA?

    Whoever wishes the president and APC well must feel strongly about this. As someone who stood by her husband during election, Aisha Buhari has rights to complain when some forces took over her husband or when things go wrong in the party. I still believe she loves her husband more than those that are insulting or mocking her. She is still the highest authority on the president’s mental and socio-physical state.

    One basic fact a lot of fanatical supporters of Buhari forget is that he rode on a saddle of political party to power. The fortunes of the party are diminishing and those who laboured to build the party and ensured the emergence of Buhari as candidate are relegated, while political ambulance chasers take the centre stage. APC’s growth is inorganic, and so needs some therapies to strengthen its fragility.

    There is concern about the political future of Buhari and APC. As it stands today, barring any miracle, Buhari could either be the first incumbent Nigerian president to lose a party ticket at the primaries or the second president to lose re-election in Nigeria’s political history.

     

    • Jaafar is an Abuja-based journalist.
  • Tinubu: I didn’t grant interview on defections, Buhari

    Tinubu: I didn’t grant interview on defections, Buhari

    The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has declared as “fiction”  and “fantasy” an online report in which he is quoted to have predicted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will stop President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election bid in 2019.

    The report was published by a little known online platform, “Post Nigeria online”, dated 14 January with the title, “I am afraid PDP will stop Buhari in 2019 – Tinubu”.

    “ The writer, Amako Nneji, concocted the latest work of political deceit,” said a statement Friday night by Tinubu’s media office.

    “No sane reporters would dare put their true names to this screed; it is pure libel. If the disciple of this libel truly believes in this account, we challenge him to visit Tinubu’s office or to announce where he can be found. Tinubu’s attorney will serve the writer with a complaint for libel. The writer will then have a chance to defend and explain himself in open court and before the public. If he is so sure of the fidelity of his tale, let him speak openly before us as to what he wants us to believe is the truth instead slinking about writing lies in the anonymous dark.

    “The falsity of the article is patently clear in that it does not even comport with the minimal standards of journalism. The writer fails to divulge the date or the place the alleged statement was made. This omission is wilful. The writer does not state these basic facts because the meeting never happened; to give such information would make it even easier to prove his work is a lie.  The writer has not seen Tinubu and has no idea where Tinubu was on any given day.

    “Worse, the writer says Tinubu was speaking to newsmen. If so, why have no other newspapers carried this story? The answer is simple. There was no such meeting between Tinubu and several newsmen. Because the story is the figment of one awfully wounded.

    “The story contains a long quote supposedly from Tinubu.  There is no way a true journalist would have tried to transcribe this by hand. He would have taped it. We dare this journalist to produce the tape.

    “The story falls in the genre of the hit-man tactics of the politically desperate. Clearly, the schemers behind this are minions of the collapsing PDP. Their party is falling apart before our eyes, with multiple defections by the day.  They fabricated this story to discourage further defections and to sow discord in the APC. However, the discord will remain where it belongs: the PDP.

    “Tinubu has never publicly commented on the defections of people from the PDP, much less making derogatory remarks about the phenomenon. In fact, if you check, he has welcomed many former PDP members into the APC. Tinubu is a democrat and a progressive. He believes that the APC is and shall always be opened to those who share its progressive beliefs and who are committed to a better Nigeria. The more people of like minds gather, the stronger the party and the more likely it is to achieve the objective of building Nigeria anew.

    “The writer of this fable tries to bring discord between Tinubu and Buhari regarding 2019 election and the budget. The attempt will fail. President Buhari was elected less than a year ago. The challenges he inherited are many. We must all seek to help him do the great things he envisions. 2019 is such a long, far road away. Let 2019 take care of itself. Today presents enough challenges of its own. Those who want Nigeria to succeed should be more concerned with tackling the difficulties of today and not stirring up trouble based on what might happen tomorrow.

    “For the record, Tinubu supports the government’s expansionary budget and has no qualms with its objectives and programmes. For the writer to say Tinubu complained about the figures is to pile lie upon lie.

    “Whosoever wrote the story is serpentine. But their venom will not hurt Tinubu, Buhari or the APC. They are like the mad snake that mediated its own demise by biting itself.”

  • My mum is my biggest fan – Cynthia Morgan

    My mum is my biggest fan – Cynthia Morgan

    • For popular dancehall godmother, Cynthia Morgan, not being raised by her dad was a blessing. She did not suffer any sexual harassment while making the break into the music industry. In this interview with FAMUYIWA DAMILARE, she disclosed what it was like for her to do hip hop despite being the daughter of a Gospel evangelist. Morgan will rather be in competition with other artistes rather than limiting herself to her gender. She explains more on these and other issues in the interview below

     

    How did you get signed to Northside music inc.?

    Actually I met Jude in Atlanta 2012, and that was the first time I was meeting him, during those times we kind ofbecame family friend, and it was like a couple of months later I got signed to the label. He appreciated my talent and took interest in me, but about seven months later after we met, we both found ourselves on the same platform, but I met him 2012 in Atlanta.

    Before you got the deal with the label, what was the journey like?

    Well! For me it was very tough at first because as a female in the music industry, it is not really easy to break-out, but I think it was a learning process for me because now I’m a whole different person like I’ve grown in this same industry and I’ve learned a whole kind of stuff. So I wouldn’t say it’s a struggle because that struggle taught me a whole lot and was a turn-up process for me.

    For how long have you been into music?

    I started music way back when I was small. My mum is a gospel singer in Benin and I was a backup singer; then when I was 16 I did a six track demo album, and when I turned 17 I actually started outing out records I did one with General Pype, in 2009 I was featured in a hit track, Run Their Mouth, and that’s how it has been, from there to Kuchi Kuchi, from Kuchi kuchi to Don’t Break My Heart, Leave Me On, I’m Taken, Popoori. So it has really been a whole journey.

    Since you’ve started music, can you recall the most difficult moment you’ve ever had?

    A whole bunch of difficult moment as artistes who are struggling to put their name on the map, sometimes when you are not getting what you are expecting, and recording label stress and everything was quite difficult for me, but at the end of the day I actually became who I am today.

    While growing-up as a child, do you ever think you can go this far in the music industry?

    Honestly, I have always thought I will even be bigger. I have always wanted to be a super-star right from when I was a child, and my dream had no limit, even till now my dream still had no limit. It is something I have known, even my mum did know that since I was small, it is something I have nurtured like being reckon with like an American artiste, I have always dream about myself performing to a whole lot of crowd right from when I was 16/17, I’ve always have this massive dream of featuring international artistes, performing in a big stadium. Everything I am today has been a process right from my childhood.

    Are your parent(s) in support of the kind of music you do?      Cynthia Morgan 3

    Definitely, though my mum is a Gospel artiste, she obviously understand what it means to be creative, she understands the power of craft, so she doesn’t have anything against me doing circular music. She had been like I brought you to this life, but God has his plan for you, and she happens to be my biggest fan.

    Like you said, you are not on good terms with your dad. How have you been able to cope with that?

    Not really, but the truth is I don’t really like to talk about my dad. I will just say I was raised by my mum, and I saw it as a blessing not been raised by my dad; actually it gives glory for people to be inspired and understand that even when you are been neglected, or when you don’t have a father, you can be whatever you want to be in life. It is all about dreaming, and having God, I say it’s all about inspiration for people to truly understand that those who don’t have a father in their life can do better. It doesn’t take a yard to go wayward, not to be a better person because at the end of the day you have a whole lot of generation to inspire, and you cannot afford telling them that because my dad wasn’t in my life I did a whole lot of nasty stuff. For me it is more of blessing if you don’t have a dad, you shouldn’t see it as a cause, it means you have to work harder, you have to let prove that person wrong that I can do it on my own; you have to do your mum proud.

    In the course of making the break into the music industry, has anyone ever demanded sex?

    For me it is 100% No! People always respect me right from when I was a child, down to my colleagues in the entertainment industry, they all respect my talent. Since I was 17, when I meet people they will like Oh my God, you are so talented. So it was never been like me forcing myself, I have never compelled anyone to give me a room to show myself, maybe that could have given a chance of asking for sex, making advances towards me or anything. I will say I am blessed, and thank God for the talent deposited in me, I don’t know how to explain it, but it is just something that God placed in me, and I do appreciate that aspect.

    What’s your relationship like with other female artistes?

    I’ve got no competition with any female artistes in the industry if you ask me, because it is not easy being a female artiste at all; with my kind of music I do not have any competition with any female artiste, I do not see myself as a female artiste not even saying competitions with female artistes. So I will say I’m in competition with every other artiste like Wizkid, Davido, I’ve got competition with everybody; because I don’t limit myself to the female, and I do believe the sky is big enough for everybody to flourish. It is all about being at the top, and you being at the top doesn’t warrant you bringing anyone down, I do appreciate any other female artiste out there, I love them and their support.

    Where do you draw your inspiration from, the energy and the likes?

    I do say my talent is pure, before I have any session in the studio, you see let me tell you a big secrete I thank God for my talent, I don’t smoke and I don’t drink. I am very good when it comes to going on picnics; I eat a lot, so I drink water instead of drinking alcohol or smoking.

    How soon are you going into politics?

    Don’t worry much about that but very soon, not like right now. As I grow older I will definitely go into politics. I can’t wait to represent my people; I can’t wait to represent the females, the girl child as well.

    Are you a feminist?

    I wouldn’t say I’m a feminist, there are feminist in different ways though. But I won’t say I am a feminist.

    What makes you think you can do better in politics than you are doing in music?

    I’m not in the side to do better in politics than I am doing in music but I am saying that it’s an aspiration for me being in a leadership position. In this generation, I know what the people want, I have been out of the country and I’ve seen a whole lot of stuff, so it’s not like me saying I can do better in politics than I do in music. It will be a whole bunch of blessing being the voice of the people, and a voice that the people wants to reckon with, and being someone that can actually help people really means a whole lot to me.

     

    Cynthia Morgan 1What does it take an ordinary man to date you?

    If someone can make me happy, if he can make me laugh because being happy for me gives a lot of inspiration. It is all about who can make me laugh, smile because that is what I need for my journey.

    You did say you had a boy friend. Is that person in the entertainment industry?

    Honestly, I was only kidding (laugh) but I am taken by my fans out there.

    Now that you don’t have a boyfriend, are you telling us you are a virgin?

    I am not a virgin why would I have said I’m a virgin.

    How long has it happened?

    Lord! What a question, very funny, I don’t want to answer that question, no way and in fact I can’t remember.

    Do you have a crush on someone in the entertainment industry?

    No way for now.

    What will be your advice to other females opting for the industry?

    First, I will tell them never to put their body first in anything they do. Be independent, work on your craft to a level that nobody can actually take advantage of you because they know they need you, you don’t need them to crime, they know you have something special, it is not about your body. When people respect your craft, they respect your dignity as well; know what you want to do, and for me when you want to do something always do it right, so you have to set standard for yourself, don’t be like I wonna be like this person, you can be better than that person. When you set standard for yourself you know what you want, being like me is a whole lot, take advice but not every advice you take, you just have to know that the sky is a starting point, and also believe in God. You are the best of your kind, nobody is better than you are trust me.

    In your own view what do you think is a woman’s pride?

    I think that has to do with commitment, focus, dignity, it is you standing strong for what you believe-in. The most essential thing is basically knowing your worth.

  • Fawehinmi scholarship interview

    Fawehinmi scholarship interview

    The Gani Fawehinmi yearly scholarship interview for the Southwest zone will hold on September 9, at the Nigerian Publications House, Otunba Jobi Fele Way, Alausa, Ikeja by 10a.m.

    A statement by the Chairman and Secretary of the scholarship board, Dr. Dipo Fashina and Ugwuzor Adindu said the interview was decentralised to make it accessible to indigent students for which it was meant.

    The board stated that 40 students are to benefit in this year’s awards and each of them will receive N100,000.

    It advised brilliant indigent students in tertiary institutions that are yet to apply to do so.

  • FALSE ACCUSATION: I didn’t grant any interview – Plateau FA boss

    FALSE ACCUSATION: I didn’t grant any interview – Plateau FA boss

    • Says he will back any candidate from the state

    Plateau State FA Chairman, Sunday Longbap, has denied reports credited to him that he will not nominate Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) presidential aspirant and owner of Premier League Clubside, Ambassador Chris Giwa, for the post of the Presidency.

    Longbap was alleged to have refused to nominate Giwa because of financial mismanagement.

    But an angry Longbap in a telephone interview with SportingLife on Thursday described the reports as a fabrication.

    He also alleged that some people who are aggrieved are trying to use his name to settle score with their perceived enemy.

    “My brother, I am still in shock with the publication because I have received series of phone calls from well wishers asking me about the publication and between me and God, I didn’t grant any interview with anybody concerning Ambassador Chris Giwa or any candidate,” Longbap told SportingLife.

    “I saw the publication and I was sad. It was a assumption of the writer of the story. Nobody has brought form for me to sign and let me say it loud and clear that I am under obligation as State FA chairman to sign for any candidate as far as the candidate is from Plateau State. And anybody coming for nomination for support must have the backing of entire executive board of the State FA. I was surprised when people stated calling me of the purported article in the media.”

    Longbap also warned media to try and verify their report before going for publication.

    “People should find another means of venting their anger to the people of Plateau and not using my name. If they have any grievances they should find another means. I am still taking my time to know what to do with the originator of the story.”

  • Making success of job interview

    Making success of job interview

    The interview is one of the most important elements in the job search process. When an employer invites you to an interview, he/she is indicating an interest in bringing you on board. The interview gives both of you the opportunity to exchange enough information to determine if you are a good “fit” for each other. Think of an interview as a highly focused professional conversation. You should use the limited amount of time you have to learn about an employer’s needs and discuss the ways you can meet these needs. In many cases, you will interview at least twice before being hired for a position. Once in a brief screening interview and at least once again in a more serious meeting when you may also speak with many of your potential coworkers.

    The job interview is a strategic conversation with a purpose. Your goal is to show the employer that you have the skills, background, and ability to do the job and that you can successfully fit into the organisation and its culture. The interview is also your opportunity to gather information about the job, the organisation, and future career opportunities to figure out if the position and work environment are right for you.

    Most employers do not hire people based on merit alone. Personality, confidence, enthusiasm, a positive outlook, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills count heavily in the selection process.

    After your cover letter and résumé, the interview is your best opportunity to wow the employer-regardless of your background and experience. To do this, use every possible strategy to develop effective interviewing skills. The best way is to prepare a selective presentation of your background, thoughtful answers to potential interview questions, well-researched questions about the organisation, and an effective strategy to market yourself. Also consider your career goals and what the available job offers so that you can discuss both of these topics with employers. Interviewing is a skill that improves and becomes easier with practice. Check with your school career centre or your local Employment Service office to see if it offers workshops and individual videotaped mock interviews for practice.

     

    Research

    It is to your advantage to carefully research the job and the organisation. There are many ways to do this. You can request printed materials from the employer, such as annual reports and job descriptions. This is an entirely appropriate request, so don’t hesitate to make it. Use your library and career center resources. Ask colleagues, friends, and faculty about the organisation, and about any personal contacts at the organisation they might have. Look at the organisation’s home page. Knowing about the job will help you prepare a list of your qualifications so that you can show, point by point, why you are the best candidate.

     

    Practice, practice, practice

    Prepare a succinct, clear answer to each of the questions in the interview questions section. Practice answering questions with a friend, or in front of a mirror. Ask your friend to give you constructive criticism on your speaking style, mannerisms, and poise. As you practice, avoid colloquialisms, such as “like” and “you know.” Make sure you don’t script all your answers-you’ll sound as though you’re reading cue cards! It’s important to prepare yourself for talking with complete strangers.

     

    Find out logistics of interview

    The more you know, the more focused your answers will be. Find out when the interview is scheduled, what to expect during it, and how long you will be there. Also find out if you will be talking to just one person, or to several.

     

    Be prompt and professional

    Always arrive early. If you don’t know where the organisation is located, call for exact directions in advance. Leave some extra time for any traffic, parking, or unpredictable events. If you are running late, call right away and let someone know. The best time to arrive is about 10 minutes early. Give yourself the time to read your résumé one more time, to catch your breath, and to be ready for the interview. Once you’re at the office, treat everyone you encounter with respect. Be pleasant to everyone as soon as you walk in the door.

     

    Dress for success

    Wear a professional business suit. This point cannot be emphasised enough. First impressions are extremely important in the interview process. Women should avoid wearing too much jewelry or make up. Men should avoid flashy suits or wearing too much cologne. It is also important that you feel comfortable. While a suit is the standard interview attire in a business environment, if you think it is an informal environment, call before and ask. Regardless, you can never be overdressed if you are wearing a tailored suit.

     

    Be organised

    Carry a portfolio notepad or at the very least a manila file folder labeled with the employer’s name. Bring extra résumés and have the names, addresses and phone numbers of references, in case the employer asks. Also, bring a list of questions for the employer. You may refer to your list of questions to be sure you’ve gathered the information you need to make a decision. Do not be preoccupied with taking notes during the interview.

     

    Know yourself

    You will make the interview process easier for the employer if you volunteer relevant information about yourself. Think about how you want to present your strengths, experiences, education, work style, skills, and goals. Be prepared to supplement all your answers with examples that support the statements you make. It is also a good idea to review your résumé with a critical eye and identify areas that an employer might see as limitations or want further information. Think about how you can answer difficult questions accurately and positively, while keeping each answer brief.

     

    Be honest

    An interview gives the employer a chance to get to know you. While you do want to market yourself to the employer, answer each question with an honest response.

     

    Be positive

    Never say anything negative about past experiences, employers, or courses and professors. Always think of something positive about an experience and talk about that. You should also be enthusiastic. If you are genuinely interested in the job, let the interviewer know that.

     

     

  • Questions you shouldn’t ask in an interview

    Questions you shouldn’t ask in an interview

    Picking the best for any position in an organization isn’t an easy ride. It takes series of pruning and probing to pick the most suitable candidate for that plum job.

    As a prospective candidate for the job, there are dos and don’ts of an interview. In as much as it is expedient for an interview to be conversational, there abound some no go areas.

    For you to get the next job below are six (6) questions you must not ask:

    What time would I have to arrive in the morning?
    Not only is this like admitting that you’re punctually challenged, it shows your future boss that you’re more interested in your daily schedule than the actual work. Stay away from questions about logistics. This also applies to “How long is lunch?”

    Try instead, “What’s an average day like?” You’ll likely wind up with more than enough information about hours and lunch perks.

    How long has this company been around?
    The cardinal rule being broken here: Never ask a question you could easily answer with a Google search. That includes everything from “Who’s the CEO?” to “Where are corporate headquarters?” to “What’s the most popular product you sell?” These types of questions make you seem unprepared, which for an employer is a red flag. Do the research before you come in, and while you’re learning about the company, look for questions that can showcase your preparedness.

    Instead try something like, “What kind of changes have you seen since [name] took over in June?”

    On average, how quickly do people get promoted?

    This signals that you’re ambitious, and that’s a desirable quality. But this question at a job interview can sound yucky and opportunistic. You want to show you’re perfect for the job you’re applying for, not the job three rungs up the ladder (even if you’re sure you could handle that one, too).

    Try instead, “What kind of opportunities are there for growth in this company?”

    Do you do background checks?

    Think of applying for a job as playing a video game: You must complete one level at a time until you attain the goal. In other words, cross each bridge as you come to it.

    If you have something on public record that you don’t want an employer to know about (and if you’re asking this question, you obviously do), cross that bridge when you must, and no sooner. If you’re lucky, the employer doesn’t do background checks, and you’re in the clear. If the company does, simply tell them what happened up-front, with whatever explanations are necessary, and give the go-ahead to run your background.

    What’s the salary?
    This one is tempting. Of course you want to know what how much you’d make — what if the salary is so small you couldn’t take the job even if it were offered? But this is a question for HR, preferably after you’ve been offered the position, not the interview. Again, the focus of the interview should be related to the work: Your background, the skills you’re bringing to the table, and what sets you apart from other candidates.

    Forget trying to get this information entirely, and instead ask something that shows how interested you are in the work. Career advisors recommend, “What does ‘success’ look like for this position?”

    Did I get the job?
    On a dinner date, you wouldn’t ask for a kiss right after you finish the appetizer — so don’t ask to close the deal with a potential employer moments after she’s met you. It’s too eager, and that’s a turnoff.

    Instead, thank her for the opportunity and say, “I’ll follow up next week.”

     

    Culled from the week 

  • We were in the midst of a three-day fasting when our mother was killed

    We were in the midst of a three-day fasting when our mother was killed

    AGAIN, like the ubiquitous tortoise in African folklore, the Ogun State Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is in the news for the wrong reason. Last Thursday, the relative peace of Ilashe village in Ipokia Local Government Area snapped following the killing of a 45-year-old trader, Fausat Bankole, allegedly by a Customs man.

    Investigations revealed that the late mother of five was travelling in a car to a nearby market in the early hours of the day when her vehicle was stopped by the Customs men on patrol at Ilashe village, along Idiroko-Owode Road. The vehicle was searched for possible smuggled or contraband goods and nothing was allegedly found. The vehicle, it was learnt, had barely left the spot when one of the Customs men fired shots that pierced through Fausat’s abdomen spilling the food she had earlier eaten on the corner of the seat where she sat in the vehicle.

    According to an eyewitness, who spoke in confidence, the deceased was taken to a Customs hospital where she was confirmed dead.

    “The incident happened at about 6 am. The driver of the vehicle was flagged down and he complied with the Customs men. After a search was carried out on his vehicle and nothing incriminating was found on it, it was released. But within a twinkle of an eye, one of the Customs men called Tunde fired shots at the vehicle’s front windscreen and rear doors. The woman who was seated in the back seat was hit in the abdomen, while the driver sustained gunshot injury on his arm.

    Outraged locals later ‘sacked’ Customs men from all the checkpoints in the community, while a traditional seal of palm leaves was placed at the entrance of a Customs base at the scene of the incident.

    It took the combined effort of the police and men of the 192 Battalion of the Nigeria Army, Owode, to douse the tension caused by the furious residents who took to the streets to protest the unfortunate incident.

    There was a pin-drop silence at the residence of the bereaved parents of the deceased trader in Okere, an outskirt of the community. A horde of sympathisers were on hand to commiserate with her aged parents. Many shook their heads in pity, while the aged parents of the deceased woman now cut a pitiable sight.

    “She told me that she would be going to market and I asked her to get some vegetable and pepper, so I can prepare some soup. I never knew that I would taste tears and sorrow instead of tasty soup. She had been the breadwinner of her family following her husband’s lack of stable job. She was also responsible for our welfare and she had been a very hardworking person and generous,” recalled Fausat’s mother, Madam Adijat Oyede.

    Father of the deceased, Alhaji Abu Oyede, could not hide his anger at the brutal killing of her daughter. He blamed the Customs authorities for displaying indifference to the misconduct of its men and the reckless killing of innocent residents.

    The 89-year-old retired headmaster said: “The mandate given to the Customs men does not include the killing of innocent people. My daughter is not a smuggler neither am I. Indeed, none of my family members is involved in smuggling business or any illegal endeavour. She sold fire woods, vegetables, fruits, pepper and condiments. Why then will Customs men kill my daughter gruesomely? My wife(the deceased’s mother) had asked her to bring vegetable and pepper when she was returning from the market, so she could prepare soup not knowing that she would soon mourn her death.

    “Let the Federal Government and Customs authorities caution their men in Idiroko against the cruel use of fire arms on innocent residents. Only last week, a boy was almost killed by some Customs men who were on the trail of some smugglers in the neighbourhood. They had approached the boy for direction and he told them that the road they had mistakenly taken while chasing the smugglers led to nowhere. Thinking that he was misleading them, they fired shots but the bullets missed the boy’s legs by whiskers.

    “About two months ago, a man travelling on a motorbike was killed by some Customs men; there are several cases like that involving Customs men who displayed lack of respect or value for human lives that Customs authorities had covered up lately. Please, tell them to face smugglers and not to turn their gun on innocent people.”

    Battling tears as he spoke further, he lamented the aftermath of her daughter’s death and its consequences on the five children left behind by the deceased trader.

    “Since I retired as a school headmaster many years ago, Fausat had been responsible for my upkeep. She would come to check on how her mother and I were fairing and would ensure that we fed well. The same daughter of mine, who had been responsible for my wellbeing is the one that the heartless Customs men have now killed.

    “Now, who will take care of me and my late daughter’s children, especially her first son who is currently seeking admission into the university since she was the only breadwinner of the family? Her husband had lost his job and has been struggling to eke out a living as a commercial motorcyclist in Lagos for sometime now until the Lagos State government clamped down on their operations in the metropolis,”the distraught father said.

    Fausat’s younger sister, Monsurat Oyede, recalled the last encounter she had with her sister whom she described as unassuming.

    “Although I live in Ibadan, Oyo State but I saw her last on May 20, 2013 during a family outing in this community (Okere). However I still spoke with her on the telephone about five days ago for a few minutes. I was shocked to receive the news of her death in the hands of heartless Customs men while on her way to Ihunbo market. She was such a gentle person and law-abiding and could not have engaged in smuggling.”

    The head of Oyede family, Chief Gafar Oyede, blamed the killing on the indiscretions of the Customs men who he said were in the habit of shooting innocent residents instead of going after real smugglers.

    “The killing of Fausat was the height of reckless use of fire arms by a para-military officer against a harmless woman who was going out to earn her daily bread. I was returning from an early morning prayers at the mosque when words got to me that Fausat had been killed by a Customs man and I quickly went to the scene. The driver of the vehicle in which the deceased was travelling before she was killed explained that he had only two passengers (including Fausat) in the vehicle at the time he was asked by Customs men to pull up for checks. The man was also hit by bullets on one of his hands.

    “When I got to the scene, I was told that Fausat was injured and had been taken to a Customs hospital in the community. It was later that a senior Customs officer broke the news of her death to me. I left for Idiroko Police Station where I saw the bullet-riddled car inside which Fausat was shot dead. And contrary to the remarks by Customs authorities that she was a victim of stray bullets, the car’s front windscreen was perforated with bullets, same with the rear door close to where Fausat was seated.

    “As a matter of fact, the food she ate in the morning was spilled on the spot where she sat in the car as a result of the bullets which pierced her stomach. We were, however, not allowed to see the Customs man who shot her dead who was being held in police cell at the time of our visit. Police feared that the Customs man identified as Tunde could be mobbed if he was brought out of the cell to see us. Fausat was buried with blood gushing out of her stomach. She was the breadwinner of her family and is survived by five children, the eldest of which is currently seeking university admission. But the question is, if her son’s university admission sails through, who will fund his education?”

    At the residence of the deceased, her crestfallen children and husband amid tears recalled the last moments they shared together.

    The eldest son of the deceased, Ridwan, 21, recounted their last rendezvous shortly before she was killed.

    “We were asked to do a three-day general fasting in our mosque for protection against evil and we did the fasting together. We prayed till the midnight on Wednesday and woke up at 5 am on Thursday to break our fast. After she finished her meal, she told me that she was going to the market to buy some goods and that she would flash me so that I could wake the children up in case they slept again so that they could prepare for school.

    “I became worried that she did not flash nor call, but I went ahead to prepare my siblings for school. It was only my sister, Semiat, who was writing her NECO examinations that was left with me at home. A few minutes later, I heard people shouting near our residence and one of our neighbours later broke the news of my mother’s death to me. I slumped but I was later held up by sympathisers. My mother had promised to fund my university education and I promised that I would in turn sponsor my siblings’ education. The last child of the family is barely four years old and we don’t have anybody to help us now,” Ridwan said.

    The husband of the deceased, Mr. Moruf Bankole, 47, with teary eyes, recalled fond memories of his beloved wife, saying: “My wife and I have been married for 23 years and she stood by me and can be described as a pillar of support. We have weathered many challenges to raise our children and with her gruesome death, I don’t know where and when my help would come from; I am perplexed and devastated…”

    A community leader, Chief Israel Osanyibi, warned the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) authorities to caution its men against killing innocent residents.

    “While we are not saying that Customs men should not operate or carry out their statutory duties in our community, we want to urge their relocation to the outskirts of the community. Besides, they should carry out operations with civility and ensure restraint when using fire arms.”

    Reacting to the incident during a telephone conversation with our correspondent, spokesman of the Ogun State Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Chike Ngige, said the officer that killed the late Fausat had faced an orderly room trial and had been handed over to police for thorough investigation.

    “In the early hours of Thursday, June 20, 2013, 6am to be precise, our patrol team acting on information along Ilashe axis of Idiroko-Owode Road, Ipokia Local Government Area accosted a suspected vehicle. The driver of the vehicle tried to escape to avoid proper Customs checks and that prompted one of the patrol officers to aim the tyre of the vehicle in order to demobilise it. The bullet rebounded on the hard surface and hit the woman (late Fausat) who was inside another vehicle. He has since faced orderly room trial and have been handed to police for trial,” Ngige said.

    He further said that men of Ogun State Customs Command are being periodically trained on the use of fire arms and civil conduct in the discharge of duty.

    He said: “If you are familiar with AK-47 Rifle, you will know that it could sometimes caused a lot of havoc as a result of a little mistake. In view of this, we have been ensuring that our men undergo regular training on the use of fire arms as well as discharging their functions with common civility.”

    However, the Customs Area Controller of Ogun State Command, Mr. Ade Dosunmu, has been in touch with the family of the late woman.

    As for the demand for in compensation by the family of the deceased trader, Mr Dosunmu said “such decision is the responsibility of the apex authority of the NCS, Abuja.”

    The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Ogun State Police Command, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed the arrest of the killer-Customs man.

    He said: “It is true that the Customs officer who allegedly killed the late Fausat Bankole has been handed over to the police. The case is currently being handled by the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for proper investigation.”

    The killing of Fausat happened barely one year after the killing of a 21-year-old tailor, Elijah Aiyelade, in the Idiroko area of the Ipokia Local Government Area by some Customs men while chasing some smugglers. He was killed on the eve of his graduation and a few days to the anniversary of his brother’s death who was also killed in similar circumstances by Customs men. While the family of Aiyelade insisted their son was not a smuggler, the Customs authority had claimed that he was shot during a shoot out with some hoodlums who seized a Customs man’s rifle.