This was actually on a very sunny Tuesday morning in Ibadan. The time was around 6AM, I was still sleeping when I heard someone knocking hard on my door.
“Brother Shina! Please Wake up ! Today is your interview!” my younger brother, Dapo, shouted from outside my room.
Hearing his voice, I jumped out of my bed. But For a second, I was confused. Then I remembered, today was the day of my final job interview with NNPC, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company. I had prayed for this chance for a very long time as I have been looking for a job for a very long time. I had passed the online test that was conducted, the physical screening, and now this was the last stage, the oral interview in Abuja.
As I was brushing my teeth, I kept thinking, “God, please help me. Let me not forget what I want to say.” I was both excited and scared as that was the first time I will be attending an oral interview actually and knowing fully well it is coming from a very big company.
When I entered our kitchen, I saw my mother frying eggs and boiling yam.
“My son, eat well,” she said. “Today is your day. You will do well in Jesus Name.”
"Amen Mummy"
I smiled and hugged her. My mum had seen all the stress I went through. There were times I had no money to buy data for applications. I even borrowed money to travel to write job tests in Lagos, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt. I didn’t give up. I kept trying and praying.
I got ready and wore the suit that I have prepared for the interview. The suit was the one that my friend Segun gave me. It was not new, but it was neat and fit me well. I packed my documents well arranged and left for the airport. I was actually so lucky to have a cousin in Abuja who allowed me to stay with him for free.
The next morning, by around 9AM., I arrived at the NNPC towers in Abuja. The building was very tall and beautiful. Glass everywhere. People in suits and fine clothes were walking in and out of the building. I stood there for a minute, looking around. I was admiring the beauty of the building but at the same time still anxious if the interview ahead.
I told myself, “Shina, you deserve to be here. Don’t be afraid.”
When it was time for my interview, they took me into a big room. Four people were sitting in front of me. They looked serious. No one smiled. They asked me to sit down. I sat, trying to keep calm.
One of them looked at me and asked, “Why do you think we should give you this job?”
I cleared my throat. I was nervous, but I spoke from my heart.
“I studied Petroleum Engineering at LAUTECH. I come from a humble background. I worked hard to finish school. During school days, I sold recharge cards to take care of myself. I am ready to learn, grow, and serve. I believe working with NNPC will help me achieve my dream of contributing to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.”
They asked me more questions. I answered them as best as I could even though some of them I was actually feeling so anxious. After a while, one of them smiled. I saw that small smile and it actually gave me hope. I left the room feeling proud. Whether I got the job or not, I knew I had done my best and I have left the remaining one to God.
Two weeks eventually passed. I was beginning to worry. I kept checking my email every day. Nothing came.
Then one Saturday afternoon, I was outside washing my father’s car when my phone rang. It was a strange number.
“Hello, good afternoon. Am I speaking with Mr. Shina Adeniji?” a woman’s voice said on the phone.
“Yes, this is Shina,” I replied, trying to stay calm.
“Congratulations,” she said. “You have been selected for the NNPC graduate programme. We will send you an email shortly with more details.”
I could not believe it.
“Thank you, ma!” I shouted. “Thank you very much, ma!”
After the call, I dropped the sponge I was holding that I was using to wash my father's car. My hands were shaking. My heart was beating fast. I ran inside to tell my mum. She screamed with joy and hugged me tightly.
“Shina My Son, God has done it!” she said.
That evening, everyone of us in the family celebrated. My mum brought out her small speaker and played Tope Alabi songs. My friends came. We ate jollof rice and fried meat. We drank malt and danced. My younger brother Dapo even tried to dance breakdance. Everyone laughed and was so happy for the new victory God has gave the family.
It was one of the happiest days of my life. That night, as I lay in bed, I looked at the ceiling and whispered, “God, thank you. My dream has come true.”
Getting the NNPC job changed many things. I was no longer a job seeker. I had a future. I could now support my family, help my younger siblings with school, and make my parents proud.
I didn’t have a car yet. I wasn’t rich. But I had something bigger, I have a strong hope. I was now on the right path. All the stress, prayers, and waiting had finally paid off.
Many people say “living the dream” means flying abroad or driving big cars. But for me, it was about finally getting the chance to grow, to be useful, and to walk into a better life with my head held high.
Today, I am thankful for every delay, every rejection, and every test. They all helped to prepare me for the blessing that finally came.
Yes, truly, I am living the dream.
