Top Stories
Dear Jobseeker: May Your Hustle Be Blessed | By Bayo Adeyinka
Published
5 years agoon
By
Mega IconI had just finished my NYSC in 2000 and I was seeking employment. Those were the days when Guardian on Tuesdays and Thursdays were filled with adverts. I recall making friends with quite a few newspaper vendors so I can go through those newspapers for free since I couldn’t afford to buy a copy.
I can’t recall who saw that advert first but my friend, Deji and I decided to apply. The problem was we didn’t have transport fare to get to Lagos and back. The job was in Lagos and we had to apply in person though we were resident in Ibadan. We decided to look for money. Both of us ended up raising one-way fare. We had just enough to take us from Ibadan to Lagos. We couldn’t even raise funds to move within Lagos.
We decided to go. A man must be courageous. We packed our credentials in two envelopes and boarded a bus headed for Lagos at Iwo Road in Ibadan. When we got off, we took another bus headed for where we would attend the job interview. Deji and I looked at ourselves and laughed. We didn’t have a dime in our pockets. We had no idea how our adventure of faith would turn out. Or was it foolishness? A short while later, the bus conductor in his guttural voice shouted, ‘Owo e da?’ (Where is your money?).
I was closest to him. I raised my brown envelope and explained to him that I was a job seeker and I had used my last dime to get me to Lagos. I braced myself for the worst. I had heard so many tales about Lagos conductors. Those guys have no joy at all.
As the conductor looked at me in utter shock or was it amazement, my friend told him we are together. The conductor hissed and clapped his hands. His eyes were bloodshot. He started raining expletives on both of us and we really expected some rough handling.
I was just praying he won’t tear my clothes or make it dirty. I can cope with a slap or two. Suddenly, a man spoke from the rear of the bus and told the conductor he would pay for both of us. As is expected, the conductor kept on abusing us even as he asked whether he was the one who sent us to school. The man reprimanded him and reminded him he would pay for us. We thanked the man profusely and got down when we got to our stop.
After we were done at the job venue (story for another day), it was time to go back to Ibadan as we didn’t have anywhere to sleep. Both of us decided on a strategy. Deji had an uncle working at a government parastatal at Marina while I had a friend at Marina also. He would approach his uncle and try to get money for two while I tried the same with my friend. We had a place to meet up because that was pre-mobile phone days. Deji wasn’t quite lucky as his uncle was not in the office. My friend was able to give us enough money for our fare back to Ibadan.
So I understand what an average jobseeker has to go through-the rigour of funding his transport while looking for a job or attending an interview. It is with this background in mind that I want to pay for the fare of anyone who has an interview in Lagos and Ibadan this week and cannot afford same.
Please take note of the following:
1. You will show me proof of the interview. Send it inbox. Prompt me if you need my DM to be available.
2. I must be reasonably convinced you can’t afford the fare. I may conduct a background check on you.
3. The transport must be reasonable. No Uber or Bolt. Nothing else apart from the fare.
4. I have the right to disqualify anyone. The right to select ultimately belongs to me.
5. Please do not send anything beyond a request for fare. I will block you if you do so.
6. Do not attempt to scam me. I will know and you will not only be blocked, I will shame you publicly.
7. Lagos and Ibadan only this week. Resources are limited and once exhausted, it will come to an end.
8. If you’re interested in also paying for a few people, you can contact me.
While I sincerely appreciate accolades, I think the best thing anyone who is inspired by this can do is to do likewise. Pay for the transport of others too. I was inspired by the action of that man on the bus who paid our fare without knowing us 20 years ago and that friend of mine who paid our fare back to Ibadan. And I was also inspired by the action of someone on LinkedIn who did something similar. Go and do likewise.
Addendum: Earlier offer expanded to include online interviews in view of the changing times. So, if you have an online interview and need money for data, send a DM. Terms and conditions remain the same.
For transport, it is now open to anywhere in Nigeria and not just Lagos and Ibadan.
Bayo Adeyinka, an Administrator and Author; writes from Ibadan, Oyo State.
Related
You may like
-
2027: Oseni kicks off Oyo South Senate bid, rallies support for one million Tinubu votes
-
2027: Alli declares Oyo guber bid, promises inclusive governance
-
Oyo confirms Lassa fever death in Ibadan, activates emergency response, traces contacts
-
Alleged Impeachment Plot: ‘I Rejected Lucrative Offers to Betray Makinde’ – Oyo Speaker
Politics
APC Secretariat Violence: Oyo Lawmaker Denies Assault, Alleges Smear Campaign
Published
22 hours agoon
April 21, 2026By
Mega IconThe lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of violence at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat, describing claims that he assaulted a party member as false and politically motivated.
An online platform, IMPARTNEWSNETWORK, had alleged that Akinmoyede assaulted one Gafar Oyebade during a meeting convened by the state chairman of the party, Alake Adeyemo, to resolve issues surrounding the executive list of the APC in Lagelu Local Government Area.
However, Akinmoyede, in a statement on Tuesday, said the meeting was peaceful and attended by key members of the state executive, including the chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary, who witnessed the proceedings.
He clarified that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the state leadership recognised him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to the lawmaker, following the clarification, the state executive directed the Lagelu Local Government chairman, Fatai Awoyoola, to proceed with the swearing-in of other party officials.
Akinmoyede also faulted attempts to link the incident with the 2019 killing of a former federal lawmaker, noting that a court of competent jurisdiction had already ruled on the matter.
He said, “In Suit No. I/70c/2019, delivered by Justice Mufutau Adegbola on January 23, 2020, all those accused were discharged and acquitted.”
The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, alleging that Oyebade, a public school teacher under the Oyo State Government, should not be involved in partisan politics.
He described the allegation as a “recycled script” aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of political activities, urging constituents to remain calm.
Akinmoyede also called on journalists to verify information before publication and urged security agencies to take action against individuals who file false reports.
“These tactics surface every election cycle. Those behind them should learn to accept the outcomes of political processes. They failed before and will fail again. Power comes from God,” he added.
Related
Politics
Oyo Reps Member Denies Assault, Dares APC Chieftain to Prove ‘Hospitalisation’ Claim
Published
2 days agoon
April 20, 2026By
Mega IconThe lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of assault levelled against him by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government Area, Mr. Gafar Oyebade.
Akinmoyede described the allegation as “false” and “a lie taken too far,” insisting that no physical altercation occurred.
The denial was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Legislative Aide, Dr. Isiaq Akintunde.
Oyebade had alleged that he was hospitalised following a confrontation during a meeting held at the office of the state party chairman in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, convened to resolve a leadership dispute in the local government.
But the federal lawmaker maintained that the meeting was peaceful and attended by top party officials.
“The meeting was convened to clarify Mr. Oyebade’s position within the local executive, and it was attended by the State Party Chairman, his deputy, the secretary, the publicity secretary, and other key state executives, all of whom witnessed the peaceful proceedings,” the statement read.
He added that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the Lagelu Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, identified him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to Akinmoyede, the state executive thereafter directed Awoyoola to proceed with the swearing-in of the remaining members of the local government executive.
The lawmaker accused Oyebade of fabricating the allegation to advance political interests.
“I wonder why Mr. Gafar Oyebade, a secondary school teacher, would claim he was assaulted in the presence of the State Executive. This is an attempt to justify money allegedly collected from an aspirant to tarnish my image,” he said.
Akinmoyede further claimed that Oyebade was seen walking freely after the meeting and was not hospitalised as alleged.
He also raised concerns over Oyebade’s involvement in partisan politics, noting that civil servants are restricted from active participation in political activities.
The lawmaker called on security agencies and the media to investigate the incident at the party’s Oke-Ado office to ascertain the veracity of the claims.
Efforts to reach Oyebade for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Related
Politics
2027: Oseni kicks off Oyo South Senate bid, rallies support for one million Tinubu votes
Published
2 days agoon
April 20, 2026By
Mega IconThe lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Aderemi Oseni, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
Oseni made his aspiration known during a high-level meeting with the Ibarapa APC Elders’ and Leaders’ Forum, comprising the G9 and the expanded G64 caucus, held at the party secretariat in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, over the weekend.
The G9 and G64 groups consist of influential stakeholders drawn from Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, and Ibarapa North local government areas.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to the forum for their support and confidence in his leadership and vision.
He said his ambition to represent Oyo South Senatorial District was anchored on a determination to consolidate and expand his record of performance.
Oseni said, “This aspiration is not built on mere rhetoric, but on the continuity and expansion of a proven track record of quality representation and grassroots-oriented governance.”
While soliciting the support of party leaders, he described his ambition as a divine call to serve the people with renewed dedication.
According to him, “This is not a time for self-glory but a sacred responsibility to intensify efforts towards real development, bring more relief to our people and ensure inclusive governance.”
He pledged not to betray the trust reposed in him by party elders and faithful, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in progressive ideals and a genuine commitment to the development of the district.
Oseni also urged leaders in the zone to mobilise support towards delivering one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.
Speaking at the meeting, a leader from Ibarapa East, Chief Michael Morawo, lauded the lawmaker for delivering democratic dividends and strengthening the party structure. He added that Oseni has demonstrated commendable leadership through his performance, noting that his impact in stabilising the party within the constituency is evident.
Similarly, a former council chairman in Ibarapa Central, Chief Theophilus Adenrele, commended the lawmaker for not betraying the trust reposed in him. Also, a chieftain from Ibarapa North, Chief Francis Babalola, described Oseni as a humble leader committed to progressive ideals, dismissing speculations about his possible defection if he does not secure the governorship ticket.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum, Chief Timothy Jolaoso, said the lawmaker enjoys widespread grassroots acceptance that cuts across political divides.
Jolaoso said, “All indicators consistently point to Oseni as a candidate with acceptance that transcends party lines. He is not only capable but a man of deep faith with proven empathy for the downtrodden.”
He added, “He possesses the goodwill, financial strength, and public trust required for leadership.”
The elder statesman further noted that Oseni’s performance in the House of Representatives, alongside his role as Chairman of the FERMA Committee, underscores his competence and commitment to development.
Related
Advertisement
Entertainment
Adekunle Gold, Simi welcome twins
Ayefele drops new album, Reflections
Reggae Legend, Jimmy Cliff, Dies At 81
Photos: Davido blows $3.7m on lavish Miami white wedding for Chioma
FAAN probes K1 for spilling alcohol on airport officer during boarding
Odunlade Adekola loses father
MegaIcon Magazine Facebook Page
MEGAICON TV
Advertisement
Trending
-
News6 days agoOseni Secures Prestigious City People Political Award Nomination
-
Health6 days agoOyo confirms Lassa fever death in Ibadan, activates emergency response, traces contacts
-
Crime & Court6 days agoJoshua crash: Driver faces fresh charges as court adjourns trial
-
Politics1 week agoOyo APC to Makinde: Impeachment Plot Claim Is a Bad Script Written to Attract Sympathy