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Thursday, February 23, 2012

The Banking Tsunami: Effects on the Economy

In 2010, I was downsized by Oceanic Bank. They called it the "Oceanic Tsunami". It was a very big blow. I had  worked with them for almost 2 years, and I can tell you by myself that I worked hard. But somehow, my name was on that "black list". I honestly can't explain how I felt, because I still don't understand my feeling at that point. In a cloud, I cried because I felt that I had somehow I had "failed". How do you explain the fact that it was just 2 of us in a whole branch? I really felt bad because I knew how long it took me to get the job. (omo, no be small tin ooo), and then overnight, poof, the job developed wings and flew away. I just told God to deal with it. (thank God for family and friends- that's another story by the way) Exactly one month after that, I got another job.

This week, I heard that a second Tsunami had occurred. I know a lot of people who got affected, and I may understand a bit of what it is they are going through right now. It's not funny at all. Many of them have families... and I'm not talking about Oceanic alone, but also people who got downsized in other banks as well.

Now, what I really want to say is this, be careful to remember people when the going is good, because life is a circle...one minute its one side and the other minute, its the other side. Most times bankers are too busy being bankers to really have a life. Its really not their fault, but sometimes they get carried away. Yesterday, I got a call from someone I used to work with, telling me he needed a job and asking how I got my job after I was downsized. I politely told him I submitted my CV to job search sites, recruitment agencies and what have you and wished him luck. Suddenly, my chats with some people has increased as well. 
Before I got my job, the impression I had of some of my former colleagues was that I wasn't trying hard enough. They probably felt I was just crossing my arms. I don't blame them anyway. I felt that way about someone too when he was job hunting. 

1Cor 10:12 says be careful when you think you are standing firm, that you don't fall. That's something we all need to take seriously. 

Please help people if you know you can and don't judge, because you'll never know when the unfavourable circle of life will revolve... #just saying.

To those affected, I want to tell you that "everything good will come, just hold on to the one you call God and look deep inwards...its an opportunity to do what you really love. I know because I was once in your shoes. Just be determined and you will succeed.

Now another thing I want to talk about is the effect this Tsunami (not just the Banking Industry) this will have on the economy. Already, standard of living in Nigeria is low. There are so many unemployed people who have families and look to the employed to feed daily. With the number of people out of jobs on the increase, tell me how individuals and families will survive. The other day I heard of a girl (she had been laid off earlier) whose husband was laid off. Where do they go to from here?

I sincerely hope the government has a plan, because a massive wave of revolution is on its way right now. The  rate at which robberies occur this days is quite alarming. And you guessed right. Graduates are fast becoming thieves to "survive". The other day, I was in a bus and the conductor was "spreeing". I felt so sad. He just had to survive. Now more people with certificates are on the streets... We keep hearing the government say they will create jobs, if that doesn't happen soon, I fear that #occupy Nigeria will be child's play compared to what will come up. There are unemployed youths everywhere, and we know what idleness does...

God save Nigeria!!!


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

True lies


Source 

Do you sometimes catch yourself telling a lie? Like you just blurt it and wish you had just zipped your mouth instead? What do you do then, when the lie is out? Pop it back into your mouth? Bite yourself? Tell the truth? Or tell another lie to cover that one?

To lie is to hold something which one knows is not the whole truth to be the whole truth, intentionally (Wikipedia). So, a lie (white, red, purple, green-whatever colour you chose to use to coat it-) is still a lie.

I went visiting with a friend. The house we went to was untidy and very dusty, and I remember saying "your house is lovely", when my head was screaming, clean up already. WHY did I lie? I could have just shut my mouth, but I "had" to comment as it was my first time there. I probably felt it the "right" thing to do.

You do it sometimes too, when you tell someone you like her hair, when you really don't. Or when you tell that hot chic "I love your dress", when you don't but know its a new one, and feel obligated to compliment. Sometimes, I think its just natural to compliment new things not because we like them, but because they are new. Or is it because we also like to be complimented when we try something new fashion wise? I wonder...

Now-a-days, its the GSM lie..."there's so much traffic", "I'm almost there", "I am in Lagos" when actually you are in Abuja, "I'm at a meeting" when you are hanging out with your friends.

I Saw someone's DP the other day and was like thank God for modern days. I thought the picture was an old one probably taken when she was still in school. Then I saw her 2 days later and she had that hairstyle on her head. It was so "in your face" (to me anyway) but I saw that she really liked it and kept patting her hair. Almost commanding me to comment. I honestly didn't want to lie, so I said something like, "hmn, chic, this your hair na die" and she started preening. I was so glad I didn't actually lie.
I am not saying I don't "lie" because I know it would hurt me real bad if I put on something and feel really fly someone tells me I look horrible. But I guess at that point, you really don't need to make me feel bad. If you must say something, just say something to indicate that you have "noticed" it. ("Hmn, new dress"; "ah, you went shopping" ; "had time to go to the salon, what's this style called?", "you look different"- Whatever works for you, but don't be cruel.


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

February 14 2012

Its been a while...

I got a push from Olamsy  to blog today, and I promised him I would try to put something up about today, even though I really didn't feel like it.

Today was very interesting from different perspectives.

Love
I saw enough bbm updates today as DP's and DS's, mostly from the girls and it was so sweet (wink). My friend, Osaore, tried to make me put up my boo's picture but I told her I wouldn't because He didn't put up my own picture as well. Before you judge me, I know I shouldn't have waited to see my picture, but I really didn't feel like. And I don't believe in doing things just because. Even the married one's were not left out in displaying their love publicly, and that to me was very nice.

I love my boo and I ain't ashamed to say it. (wink). He actually came to my office to drop off my gifts. I was soooo shy (lol) especially as my gift to him wasn't ready yet. When we hugged, he whispered the words "I Love You" into my ears and I was weak... for different reasons (I am not sharing, don't worry)


Immaturity
 I may not know what maturity is all about, but I know immaturity when I see (or hear about it). I guess a lot of people heard about things similar to this last week, yesterday and even today-->











Some guys are just immature shaaaaa! Just like that. Anyway, it's a good thing, the girl finally knows what stuff he is made of. 

Bomb Blasts

A particular Message hit home really well "Distance teaches us 2 appreciate d days we r able to spend 2geda! happY (sic) vaLs (sic) to my sugar darling"- I got this from my former classmate.

This message made me realize the importance of loving people because you never really know when the "reaper" will come. There were 2 bomb explosions in Kaduna today according to Sahara Report and I was just  sad. If they could do it on Independence day, Christmas day and all, then I guess they wouldn't have missed Vals day for anything. Where is the love? Why such needless killings?

The bomb explosion of February 7th was a very close call as my aunt was in that building. Thankfully, she escaped unhurt and we are grateful to God. Her entire family is still shaken and till today, she still hasn't gained her voice back... Where is the love? what did all these people do?

I have also gathered from the Internet that Boko Haram has added the Nigerian Telecommunications Providers  to their list of people and/or places to be bombed.

What sort of thing is this?

My take on Val's

Valentine day shouldn't be celebrated only on the 14th day of February. Everyday should be Val's day. As Christians, we should show love everyday just because. Love should be unconditional and without strings. 

I shouldn't show you love just because I will get "some" or because You bought me something. It also goes without saying that gifts should be exchanged regularly. Don't wait for a birthday or anniversary before you remember to buy a gift for the one you say you love. (If you try it everyday because I said everyday should be Val's day and you run your pocket, na you sabi)

Love can be shown in different ways without necessarily spending money.

  • Listening to others and respecting their opinion
  • Helping others out when they need help and when you can. 
  • Spend time with people. Sometimes just being there is enough.
  • Say it. Many times, all we want to hear are the words "I Love You"
  • Encourage your partner in his/her dreams. It always go a long way.
  • Go cheesy SOMETIMES. Write a note, send an email, a tweet, whatever.
  • Understand their love language. It is the best thing that can happen in any relationship
And of course, ALWAYS leave a smile on the face of the one you love!!!

Happy Val's day to you!!!