Sunday, March 15, 2015
How I Felt The Day I Shook President Goodluck Jonathan, LASU National Award Winner Reveals
In these exclusive interview with BlackBox Nigeria, RUFU ADEKOYA ALASHE, a graduate of Electronic and Computer Engineering from Lagos State University(LASU) bares his mind on the activities leading to his win a National award, excerpt ;
BBN: Tell us about yourself?
My name is Alashe Adekoya Rufus, born and bred in Ikorodu. Had my primary education at Hoace International School and secondary at Government College Ikorodu.Gained admission into the prestigious LASU where I studied Electronic and Computer Engineering and graduated with Second Class Honours- upper division. In the year 2011, I was mobilized for the 2011 batch C service year and posted to Bekwarra LG in Cross river. I'm an IT support Engineer with a focus on Data and Network management. I distinguished myself during the service year by executing several personal community development projects aimed at improving the quality of life of the indigent people in the community. These actions won me several awards which includes the Local Government award, cross river state award and the NYSC PRESIDENT'S HONOURS AWARD. I am the current Head of IT unit at Newgate Medical Services Ltd
BBN: What community project did you do specifically?
I did eight projects in all. I taught practical Computer appreciation classes for a month with over 30 beneficiaries. Due to the poor performance of students in mathematics, I held extra evening classes for 2 months for students in 5 different schools were 100 students benefitted. Along with this, I dewormed 1000 primary school pupils. constructed of 9 twin seater desk and chair.Hoisted the Nigerian and Cross river flags, gave scholarship to two brilliant indigent students. Distributed over 500 textbooks, notebooks and writing materials. And distributed 4 fully equipped first aid boxes to 4 different schools. I also participated in my PET CBS where I served as the secretary.
BBN: you hoisted two flags? Where? And for what?
I served in a secondary school where the tattered flags were hoisted using bamboo sticks. This I replaced with new flags and galvanized iron poles.
BBN: Looking at projects executed, some are cost intensive, how did your get funding as a corp member?
I had help for the funding from my proprietor, fellow corps members, hospitals, well meaning individuals in the community.
BBN: Can your tell us how you went about this funding because many might what to do the same?
I had a project proposal in hand specifically for that purpose. After which I identified and approached some members of the community explaining how these project will be of relevance to meeting the needs of their people. I didn't get 100% response though but I was able to manage the few resources given to execute 8 of the 13 projects I proposed.
BBN: So you have your proposal before you went for service?
Not at all. It was when I got to my host community that I identified these needs and sought to meet them. My aim was not to win any award but to put smiles on the faces of the beautiful people of Bekwarra. I never expected to win a state award let alone national.
BBN: When did the call for the award came? Where you expecting anything?
I got a call last year December 2014 for the award to hold in the same month but it was later postponed to March 2015
BBN: How did you feel shaking President Goodluck Jonathan?
Ecstatic. Had to pinch myself severally to ensure I wasn't dreaming *smiles*. I am still basking in that euphoria.
BBN: Does that make you aspire to be in the position someday?
Now I understand how Bill Clinton felt when he shook hands with JFK. My aspirations for that position knows no bound
BBN: Were you also offered employment?
Yes, at the federal civil service. Heritage bank is also offering. But from past winners, it shouldn't take more than a month before we would be called to take up the job.
BBN: On a closing note, what advice do you have Nigeria youths?
Don't let opportunity pass you by. There are going to be many number of times when a chance to make something of yourself will come rocketing by so fast you will barely perceive it. Those brief moments will come rarely. Jump on them and wrestle them to the ground. Life has an expiration date. Make it count. Take it from some who knows.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments
(
Atom
)
No comments :
Post a Comment