Bukola Oni@BukolaOni10
During my NYSC, my roommate introduced me to something I had never heard of before, Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE). She encouraged me to join a training, and we both enrolled together. At that time, I didn’t know that simple decision would later change my life.
After NYSC ended, the job hunt began. While discussing my plans with a family friend, I mentioned the HSE training I had completed. He advised me to take it further by registering with the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, explaining that it was the recognized professional body in the country. My dad supported me financially, and I went ahead to get properly certified.
Then came the real struggle searching for a job.
One day, that same family friend called to inform me about an opportunity in a construction company in Ibadan. It was only an internship role and came with no salary. I spoke with the manager myself, and he confirmed there would be no payment. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I knew I needed experience, so I accepted.
With the support of my siblings, I relocated to Ibadan and stayed with a relative. They helped with my transport fares because where I lived was very far from the project site. Every day was stressful and exhausting, but I kept showing up, learning, and enduring the process.
After two months, while scrolling through one of the HSE WhatsApp groups I belonged to, I saw a job advert. I immediately contacted the person who posted it and went through an interview. Later, he told me I performed better than other candidates he had interviewed. After speaking with the company’s Managing Director, I was offered the job with good salary, free accommodation, and free transportation. I was asked to resume that same month.
When I informed my internship boss, he smiled and said something I will never forget:
Those two months that looked like suffering were actually preparing the way for you.
And that was how I moved on to a better opportunity. Interestingly, the very week I resumed my new job was when the lockdown started. That job became an answered prayer, solving many financial challenges in my life and family at the time.
I often reflect on how one conversation, one step of faith, and a season of sacrifice completely changed my story. I'm forever grateful to my NYSC roommate.
Sometimes the opportunity that looks small, unpaid, or uncomfortable is the bridge to the life you prayed for. Keep learning, keep showing up, and don’t despise humble beginnings.
