Category: Featured

Job interview questions can be quite jarring, make so many thoughts to cross your mind at once. One of such question is the classic “where do you see yourself in 5 years?’

Now you wouldn’t want to say something that will sound like you have come to displace the executives, or later abandon the job and start up your company or give an impression of being cocky.

So how do you answer this question? well, career expert Lily Zhang tells us how to answer the ‘where do you see yourself in 5 years?’ question;

So, how do you answer, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

This can feel like a bit of a trick question, because sometimes the answer is, “not in this job,” or, “in your job,” or something like, “at a bigger better opportunity elsewhere.” But none of those are things you actually want to say to a hiring manager.

The good news is you can be honest while still telling them what they really want to know. Do you have realistic expectations for your career? Are you ambitious? And does this particular position align with your growth and goals overall?

For example, one way I like to think about it is: Think about where this position could realistically take you, and think about how that aligns with some of your broader professional goals.

So, for example, you might say, “Well I’m really excited by this position at Midnight Consulting because in five years, I’d like to be seen as someone with deep expertise in the energy sector, and I know that’s something that I’ll have an opportunity to do here. I’m also really excited to take on more managerial responsibilities in the next few years and potentially even take the lead on some projects. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing managers, and so developing into a great manager myself is something I’m really excited about.”

So, what if this position is not a one-way ticket to your professional aspirations? It’s okay to say you don’t really know what the future holds, but you see how this experience could really help in making that decision.

So you can deduce from Zhang’s words that you should be honest about your ambitions in a rather tactful way.

By Williams Anuku Abuja

Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige on Monday held some consultative meetings with stakeholders in the labour sector, all in a bid to avert the nationwide strike proposed by the organised Labour.

Although, an enlarged meeting has been scheduled for  Tuesday at the federal ministry of labour, Ngige was believed to have convened Monday’s meeting to harmonise government’s position on the consequential adjustments.

Labour, under the auspices of Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have since been mobilising their members for a national strike, slated for Wednesday Oct 16th, to compel government across board to implement the N30,000 minimum wage it recently signed into law.

While the government has started implementation for workers on grade levels 1 step 1, labour activists are insisting the increase be implemented across board.

Ngige was recently quoted to have said government would require a whopping N580billion to fully implement it but was at a loss where to source the balance from.

Ahead of today’s meeting, Ngige met with the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSC) and the Government side of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council separately.

While the meeting with the Labour team of the JNPSC started by 12noon and ended 2.45pm, the Hon. Minister sat in conciliation with the Government side of the Council between 3pm to 6pm.

The meetings were Collective Bargaining negotiations, affording both parties the opportunity to share vital information, especially critical statistics to allay the fears as well as undo all encumbrances constraining the attainment of a common position.

Deliberations were intended to smoothen the rough edges in preparation for a fruitful high level conclusive meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, 15th October , 2019.

Representing the Organised Labour were the Deputy Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Amaechi Asugwuni, NLC General Secretary, Comrade Emma Ugboaja, Musa Lawal Ozigi of the TUC, Nuhu Toro (TUC) Lawal Alade Bashir as well as Comrade Musa Abbas.

Others in attendance at the meeting with the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council were the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, Permanent Secreatry Ministry of Labour and Employment, William Alo, Director General of the Budget Office, Ben Akabueze, Acting Chairman of the National Salaries Income and Wages Commission, Ekpo Nta, a Director from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Garba Mamman, Olufehinti O.J from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, B.O.C Omogo of the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation and Bar. Akpan, Director of Trade Union Services in the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Also in attendance was the Minister of State for Budget and Planning, Clem Agba

Williams Anuku Abuja

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Olabode George has alleged that Vice- President Yemi Osinbajo masterminded his unlawful incarceration in prison as chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) over allegations bothering on contract splitting.

George who was once Deputy National President of the PDP, however said he has since forgiven the number two citizen, noting that inspite of his current travails in the presidency, he would not join forces against him.

Recall that Justice Joseph Olubunmi Oyewole, on October 26, 2009, sentenced Bode George, Chairman and five other former board members of NPA namely, the Managing Director, Architect Aminu Dabo, Captain Olusegun Abidoye, Alhaji Abdullahi Aminu Tafida, Alhaji Zanna Maidaribe and Engineer Sule Aliyu to two years each on a seven-count charge.

However, reprieve came the way of George in 2013 as the Supreme Court, voided the two years jail term, saying he was tried under a law that did not exist at the time he served as board member.

George said Osinbajo who was the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice during Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s tenure as governor of Lagos state connived with Tinubu to draft the unknown law that was used against him.

He added that when he met Osinbajo and confronted him over the issue, he couldn’t utter any word.

“ No matter how bad a child is, we cannot throw it at the leopard to consume. On that note, we have to be careful in throwing him at the lion’s den. He couldn’t have been working all by himself. He himself has now learnt a lesson of life.

“My path and Osinbajo’s path has never crossed except one day we sat together in the aircraft before he became Vice- President and I told him my mind concerning what he did to me. I told him he needs to go for restitution, go before the altar and asked for forgiveness. He couldn’t utter a word. No comment”.

“But I will not say because of that now I must join those who are trying to bring him down. Life is full of imponderables and life is a war but if you believe in God, you will remain sold like gold,”he said.

Did you know that banana peels can be used to get rid of stains on the teeth? Well, banana peels are rich in magnesium and potassium and they effectively whiten the teeth.

Here are ways on how to use banana peels to whiten the teeth:

1. Peel the banana

Choose a banana with no spot. you want it to be ripe (as this is when it contains the most minerals) but not black.

2. Rub the inside of the peel against your teeth

For close to ten minutes rub the inside of the banana peel against your top and bottom teeth, until they are completely coated in a layer of banana paste.

3. Brush your teeth

Once the ten minutes are up, take a dry toothbrush and use it to brush the banana paste into your teeth.

4. Follow same procedure daily

It’s unlikely that you’ll see any results after just one treatment, so continue rubbing your teeth with banana peel for up to two weeks.

Here are the health benefits of lemon water:

1. Relieves Sore Throat

Drinking warm lemon water may provide relief from a sore throat or pharyngitis.

2. Helps to Prevent Kidney Stones

One of the major health benefits of lemon water includes its ability to treat and prevent kidney stones. Normally, kidney stones pass out of the body without much discomfort, but sometimes they can block the urine flow and cause intense pain. Drinking lemon water helps in rehydrating the body and keeping the urine diluted. This, in turn, reduces any risk of kidney stone formation. However, in case of severe pain and discomfort from a possible kidney stone, you should speak with a doctor or your medical professional.

3. Reduces Calorie Intake

Lemon water is a good substitute for juices or drinks that may be high in sugar. Those who try to control their diabetes or who intend to lose weight, lemon water helps to rehydrate and energize the body without adding excessive amounts of sugar.

4. Improves Liver Health

Drinking lemon water may help in activating digestive enzymes present in the liver. It is recommended that you drink lemon water in the morning by itself without consuming food or other drinks. Wait 30 minutes before consuming your first meal or taking any additional supplements.

5. Improves Digestion

The lemon juice present in lemon water promotes the production of hydrochloric acid and bile secretion, which is required for digestion. It also reduces the risk of acidity and gout. People who commonly suffer from digestive issues like abdominal cramps, bloating, burning sensations, and excessive gas should drink it regularly. Lemon water is useful for curing constipation, so drink it warm every morning and get relief from constipation for the rest of the day.

6. Boosts Immune System

Lemon water is a good source of citrus bioflavonoid, vitamin C, and phytonutrients, which help improve the strength of the immune system. It also helps increase energy levels in the body due to the presence of essential vitamins and minerals. In research studies published in the American Scientific Research Journal, citrus peel oils showed strong antimicrobial activity.

7. Relieves Rheumatism

Drinking lemon water before meals and at bedtime may also provide relief from rheumatism.

8. Treats Scurvy

Consumption of lemon water helps in treating scurvy or a general deficiency of vitamin C. Signs of scurvy include bleeding gums, tooth loss, small red spots or rashes, bruising, fatigue, and more.

9. Relieves Swollen Gum Pain

Drinking lemon water may also relieve the pain associated with swollen gums. Add a pinch of salt to it for best results and make sure the lemon juice is well-diluted in water.

10. Cancer-Fighting Potential

Drinking lemon water may also be beneficial in preventing cancer. A research study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention suggests that lemon extract, with its antitumor properties, may help in reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Another study shows that a combination of garlic and lemon aqueous extract makes for an anticancer food. However, no thorough research is conducted to verify the anticancer potential of lemon water yet.

11. Lowers Stress & Blood Pressure

Another great benefit of lemon water is its ability to lower blood pressure while providing relief from stress and anxiety. Drinking it will also convey a sense of relaxation.

12. Balances pH

By drinking one glass of lemon water, you will help alkalize the whole body and balance the pH level of the body. There are many diseases and conditions linked to the acidic body state. For optimal health, it is very important for the body to maintain the alkaline state that is achieved by eating alkaline foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Lemon juice in its natural state is very acidic but once consumed and fully digested, it has been shown to have alkalizing benefits.

13. Detoxifies the Body

Lemon water helps in cleansing your entire body by reducing the toxins in the blood. Nutrients in lemons promote the removal of waste materials as well as toxins since it acts as a natural diuretic, which stimulates an increase in urination.

14. Skin Care

Intake of lemon water on a daily basis can help rejuvenate the skin. Lemons are loaded with antioxidants and the well-known anti-aging properties of lemons and other antioxidant-rich foods have become increasingly popular in recent years.

The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has decimated a location at Boboshe on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State, used by Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) as a meeting venue.

The attack according to a statement signed by Airforce Spokesman Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, was conducted  following successive days of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, coupled with Human Intelligence reports, that established that a building within the settlement was being used as a rendezvous by the BHTs where their commanders assemble to take instructions before launching attacks against troops and innocent civilians.

The statement noted that based on the intelligent report, the ATF detailed its fighter aircraft to attack the hideout, scoring accurate hits within the designated area leading to the decimation of the target structure.

Several BHTs were reportedly killed as a result of the strikes.

Here are signs he is not trying to get you to date him but just wants to be friends with you.

1. You always initiate.
The time you spend together is the stuff movie montages are made of, filled with goofball antics, laughter and moments of heart-pounding verbal intimacy — except your heart is probably the only one pounding.

If you’re always the one to pick up the phone, chances are he’s not quite as eager to see you as you are to see him.

2. When he does initiate, he brings a backup (or five).
Bereft over the fact that you never get that much-desired quality alone time together?

If he’s only inviting you out on group outings, it’s probably because he sees you as one of the guys. This can be flattering, but he doesn’t generally cuddle with his guy friends after spending the day together.

3. He calls you “Buddy.”
Or bro. Or your last name, circa high school. Or something else that is distinctly unfeminine and a glaring reminder that he’s not into you.

4. He talks about his love life with you.
This is so heart-shatteringly painful that it takes all you have not to break down in tears in front of him.

Instead, you swallow your pain and pretend to be totally fine with rating the attractiveness of various females passersby — thereby solidifying even further your status as his “bro.”

5. He frantically attempts to set you up with men that aren’t him.
He’s no dummy. On some level, he knows you dig him. And he feels terrible that he doesn’t feel the same way.

This is why he’s suddenly so determined to find you another guy with whom you can share everlasting love. No, he’s not testing your loyalty. He’s trying to ease his guilt.

6. You have sleepovers.
But he doesn’t lay a finger on you — no matter how often you “accidentally” bump into him or allow your sweatshirt to fall seductively over one shoulder, Flashdance style.

7. He only gets grabby when he’s been drinking.
If a dude likes you, he’ll find any excuse he can to touch you: playfully, comfortingly, seductively. (Does anyone remember when tickle fights were a perfectly viable pickup tactic?)

But if he only gets touchy-feely when he’s drunk, lonely, or miserable due to the effects of a recent breakup, don’t be tempted to take advantage of this momentary bit of vulnerability. You’re looking for a sober seduction, remember?

8. He then says, “We’re friends… right?”
If you do happen to experience a lapse in good judgment, there’s a good chance you’ll hear this line the morning after.

And good gracious, this line is frustrating.

9. He’s dating your roommate.
Despite all that you’ve shared, he ends up falling in love with your roommate the very first time you bring him home.

Even worse is the fact that she then reciprocates. Misery ensues.

10. He comes out to you.
In case you were wondering … if he happens to confide in you that he does cuddle with the guys after spending the day with them, you shouldn’t take this news as a challenge to “turn” him. That would just be a ridiculous, crazy exercise in futility.

Believe us. You’ll know the signs a guy likes you when they show up. He’ll start wearing spiffy clothes and cologne when he hangs out with you. He’ll initiate tickle fights. He’ll try to touch you more often.

Seriously, you’ll just know.

Falling in love is a wonderful feeling. This kind of desire is beautiful, healthy, and very natural.

Men fall in love with women who intrigue them and who touch them on a profound level. And pretty looks, short skirts or even push-up bras cannot create that kind of attraction.

With that said, here are 3 surprising ways to get a guy to like you and fall for you hard.

1. Your passion
A woman who is deeply passionate about something is charismatic and profoundly attractive to a man.

And it doesn’t usually matter what her passion is — it can be playing the cello or collecting Tupperware. He will find it exciting or even mesmerizing to witness her indulging in her passion or talking about something that gives her so much joy, something that she immerses herself in completely.

The reason why so many women get this wrong is that we’re conditioned to be pleasers. When a woman wants to impress a guy, she’ll adopt his passions and activities.

But men see through this, lose attraction, and walk away.

So, instead of bending yourself backward to show him that the two of you are alike, express yourself truly and authentically, pour your attention into what you love and what makes your heart sing.

I assure you that he will notice and admire your passion.

2. Your authenticity
Most women deeply desire to be in a relationship, they want to love someone and to be loved in return.

In order to achieve that, they might be willing to sacrifice their own views, opinions, and dreams if these are not aligned with decisions or views of the man they have an eye on.

But what men typically find attractive is a woman who is fiercely committed to what she believes in and who won’t bend to please others.

We all need to be open to negotiation and a change of plans from time to time. But, if you want him to stay by your side, show him that you have a spine and that you can make choices for yourself.

3. Your femininity
Our culture encourages women to be successful, independent and career-driven. We value results, efficiency, fast pace, and hard work.

But, the essence of a woman is to flow, to be connected to her feelings and her heart, instead of only living in her head.

Women are usually softer than men, more emotional and go through cyclical changes aligned with their hormones and feelings. They’re intuitive and not always reasonable. To deny that aspect of a woman is to deny her true nature.

Let go of the need to adhere to society’s standards and show him your feminine essence.