1) What qualities do you look for in the people you hang out with?
I hang out with people who inspire and challenge me.
2) What do you do?
I do communications in all its entirety. I am the founder of Journalists Initiative for Youth Empowerment (Ji4Ye) based in Jos, Nigeria. (visit: www.ji4ye.org)
3) Why do you do what you do?
I like what I do.
4) Is this where you thought you would end up?
Not exactly, but I'm on track.
5) What values are you committed to?
Hardwork, Innovation, Personal and Youth Development
6) How many hours do you work in a typical week?
50 hours
7) What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis? Social media, Journalistic story-telling, Writing, Photography, Blogging
8) Are there any negatives to your job?
Deadlines
9) What is the background of most senior-level executives in your SBCC circles?
Communications
10) What do you wish you knew at our stage? (IE: Entry-level SBCC practitioners)
How to develop a communication strategy.
11) What is the best piece of professional advice you've ever received -- and used or implemented?
Apply conflict-sensitivity and gender-sensitivity in your SBCC.
12) If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Enlist the support of a mentor.
13) What should keep entry-level SBCC enthusiasts up at night?
How to ensure your messages move your target audeince from current behaviour to expected behaviour.
14) What professional organizations are you associated with, and in what ways?
Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Springboard (a platform for health communicators)
15) What mistakes have you made?
Not pre-testing message before going to press.
16) What one thing do you still struggle with?
Inability to completely put myself in the shoes of the target audience.
17) What traits impress you the most in a working professional, irrespective of their area of expertise?
Good knowledge of their area of expertise; Willingness to share and exchange knowledge
18) What are the top 7 technical skills that entry-level SBCC enthusiasts should strive to hone?
Writing; Social media; Ear for news (reporters instinct); Knowledge of the principles of communication; Audience analysis; Media relations
19) Considering all the people you have met in your line of work, what personal attributes are essential for success?
Openness and willingness to learn new things. There is always something new to learn.
20) What's the best advice you can give to help plan a career rather than simply work to keep a job?
Keep preparing yourself because opportunity will always come. The tragegy is when it comes, and you are not ready.
21) What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?
Nomination for CNN Multichoice African Journalists Award in 2012
22) What developments in the horizon could affect future career opportunities in this field?
There are more prospects in the field than before.
23) Can you recommend a "must-read" book that will help us broaden our skills as working professionals or inspire us to reach our highest potential?
Attend Webinars more.
24) As a communicator, if you could write a book on a social issue; what would it be and why?
Youth unemployment; Farming; Youth radicalisation
25) Which other SBCC maven would you recommend for this interview?
Zainab Laminde
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Sure! I know Obinna to be consistent, committed and passionate about what he does. He's a mentor and a role model ....
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