This week, a Nigerian human resource personnel took to Twitter to recount her experience with a job applicant she had interviewed the previous day.
I interviewed a guy for a job yesterday and when he was leaving he said to me ‘you smell nice’ and I told him that’s very rude of him,he left looking stupid.
A lot of men don’t have manners!!!— Taiwo (@taiwo__y) March 11, 2019
Almost everyone on Nigerian social media had a take on the matter;
Some thought Taiwo overreacted
HR is like secret service where your role gives you the opportunity to know stuffs that you can’t talk about.
If an applicant compliments you, take note but let it slide.
A well grounded HR Officer doesn’t give away emotions on d job.#Taiwo doesn’t know the ethics of the job— layeni lanre (@RAYtoRAY) March 11, 2019
Taiwo is just an Oloni upgraded version 😒.
Ordinary you "smell nice" compliment, the girl spark…… tueh!
— w σ ℓ f ɢ a и ɢ 형 (@Gaeist) March 11, 2019
Taiwo, if you don't know, let me remind you of the 'Human Resources Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct'
Here are some of our duties:
1. Respect people's dignity
2. Courtesy and Civility
3. Professional Mentor when individuals are wrong
4. Enhance Public Image of Profession https://t.co/JoMwCQfayi— Tunde Omotoye 🇳🇬 (@TundeTASH) March 11, 2019
Tbh, I think Taiwo’s problem is because the guy she interviewed is not her kind of man. I see no offense in someone telling you “You Smell Nice” ☺️ HR Madam, tone down on your wokeness. 😔 Someone interviewed you too before you got that job.
— Dr. PamPam | Omo Iya Ologi (@thepamilerin) March 12, 2019
Others thought the guy was in the wrong
Since some people are sharing a google link just to bash Nigerian HR (without even clicking to read in the same article that you should avoid certain 'compliments'), here's one about 9 THINGS TO NEVER SAY AT A JOB INTERVIEW. Note number 4.
You're welcomehttps://t.co/0hGHeyXLUq pic.twitter.com/fLHjG5Pktr
— Darth Wobe (@Crosseyednerd) March 12, 2019
Y'all just angry at Taiwo cos of high rate of unemployment.
No Nigerian HR, I repeat, no HR would accept telling an opposite sex interviewer she smells nice at an interview.
It's only the Satan that can whisper such to your hear.
— lizzy baby (@lizzybaby1232) March 11, 2019
It’s always advisable in an interview to understand your environment.
You have limited time but you have to activate your quickest mind sensors.. know your interviewer as much as they are trying to know you…
some want smiles others don’t
e.g complimenting taiwo lost him a job— Igbo Made (@volqx) March 11, 2019
The guy was wrong to have told his interviewer she smells nice.That can easily be interpreted as flirting.If the interviewer was a man who he have told him that he smells nice?That statement was made out of poor judgement.#YouSmellNice #taiwo
— Mr Ajibode (@FreebornAjibode) March 14, 2019
While this category of people thought both parties were unprofessional
My take #Taiwo pic.twitter.com/Fp1yVY4kpo
— Tobi Oyeyemi (@tobi_oyeyemi) March 12, 2019
Telling your interviewer they smell nice is not rude ,it is inappropriate and highly unnecessary,unless of course the interview happens out of an office .
The way Taiwo handled the case was also not professional and uncalled for.— Events & Wedding MC (@dayoice) March 12, 2019
The truth, its either the guy is naive or just trying to ease his anxiety, but the interviewer #Taiwo been professional should have just smiled n corrected his action, so he doesn't loose it else where.
— Happychild (@opy2luv) March 14, 2019
#YouSmellNice The applicant might not have been outrightly professional with his compliment, but Madam HR Taiwo was more unprofessional as an HR. She deserves to be Reprimanded by the Organization.
— TDB (@coolbreeze1612) March 12, 2019
Nigerians being Nigerians
New Job Interview dress code 😷😭 #Taiwo #YouSmellNice pic.twitter.com/1L2eyeaYpk
— Mr Catfish (@MyCatfishAccout) March 12, 2019
Aunty taiwo: anything u need to say?
Applicants: you. pic.twitter.com/3FVKetS6Fv— 💊Please kindly_Brush 💊 (@iam_itarex) March 14, 2019
After Interview*
Applicant: Thanks, you smell bad tho.
Taiwo: You're hired!pic.twitter.com/gc9ig2ekqT
— Tobiloba (@iamkitan_) March 12, 2019
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
When dude got home and was asked"How was the interview?"
Reply:👇 👇 👇 👇 👇 👇 👇#Taiwo pic.twitter.com/vt3UG92rIL
— Class Captain (@todas90) March 12, 2019
Some were being mean
If only you ran like your mouth, you would be in good shape😴 pic.twitter.com/Cf0UN81DGU
— Olamidenelson follows back (@Olamidenelson3) March 13, 2019
You only get to choose one
Like for Hanty Taiwo
Retweet for dan wake
………. pic.twitter.com/usFP8H66XF— Razika Mustapha (@weathered_rose) March 12, 2019
When I see Taiwo’s face this phone comes to my mind #yousmellnice pic.twitter.com/wAnlsLC94O
— wisdom Solomon (@official_bch) March 12, 2019
Taiwo is a dullard and Kehinde compliment her. How on earth did these ineffectual buffoons get to interview someone who is so cute to point out to them they have body odour? The guy lied and that's why she's angry. She's angry the guy had the effrontery to tell her. Nothing else! pic.twitter.com/JzZ2OBtGSa
— Fearless Fang (@AjayiOlawande) March 12, 2019
Nigerian HR slander
Dear Nigerian HR people, what is rude is you taking a phone call in the middle of an interview.
That there is rudeness.
— Azúcar 🍬 (@Ms_Kellay) March 14, 2019
Nigerian HR and gate keepers have one thing in common. Playing God when they get one little job to interview a candidate or to open gate.
Very soon just as remote is wiping off gate keepers so will technology wipe them off. Demi God taiwo you hear. Bitter soul.
— BLADE🇳🇬🇳🇬☣🔔🎷🌱🍀🌿 (@straightblad) March 12, 2019
That's how they said someone should stop saying "Yeah" at interviews. Thunder faya gbogbo Nigerian HR.
Why so serious? #YouSmellNice— OJ The Apprentice (@danny24kk) March 12, 2019
Nigerian HR that will invite for an interview for 10am but will make you wait till 3pm because they want to test your patience
— The Sahelian (@curious2k8) March 12, 2019
These
I was okay…..
.
.
.
Then I saw this…
.
.
.
Then I died 💀💀💀☠☠#taiwo #YouSmellNice pic.twitter.com/xjIYyUuxkk— Collatunez (@missed_collz) March 12, 2019
Interviewee: you smell nice
HR: eau de crase?
— Kalm Kris (@MrKrisKriss) March 11, 2019
#YouSmellNice by Aunty Taiwo. You people are mad on this app… 😂 pic.twitter.com/Oe27Sawe7G
— Adetutu Balogun (@Tutsy22) March 12, 2019
And comedy skits
Nigerians you guys gat no chills!! This is so quick 😂😂😂 #taiwo #Yousmellnice pic.twitter.com/UZJNFOUaW8
— JUSTDOIT9JA ❁ (@justdoit9ja) March 12, 2019
What did I do wrong??👀🤷🏽♂️ pic.twitter.com/MmXzYuwZpp
— Frank Donga™ (@frankdonga_) March 12, 2019
#Taiwo aunty @taiwo__y How market pic.twitter.com/E3qmDmYAOF
— Riwo daniel (@DanielRiwo) March 13, 2019
Anty Taiwo, here's Your new ringtone #YouSmellNice pic.twitter.com/QTiphVy9AS
— Fresh ghetto boy (@Georgeomusic) March 13, 2019
You Smell Nice t-shirts for sale
Get your #YouSmellNice Clothes at a very affordable Price (#3,000).
DM to place order or Contact 09038786852
Kindly Retweet!#Taiwo #YouSmellNice #GOAT #JUVATM pic.twitter.com/bLw0nwhiA5
— Topzy (@Dynamic_Topzy) March 12, 2019
Order for yours at Affordable price 😂😂 #Taiwo
Do you smell Nice? pic.twitter.com/KF9xJbgIyJ— Soj Graphics (@soji_joro) March 12, 2019
a wise man says your not poor ur just blind to ideals arud you. We have decided to make you smell nice T shirt and Is now available in difrnt colors and sizes. Pls retweet 4 our customers#taiwo#yousmellnice#hr#tshirts pic.twitter.com/E35EJ3JHGo
— enriaclothing (@isrealtumi) March 13, 2019
All the reactions got Taiwo like…
Not explaining myself to strangers on Twitter,y’all will be alright.
— Taiwo (@taiwo__y) March 11, 2019
Nigerians are horrible people.
— Taiwo (@taiwo__y) March 12, 2019
Nigerians will bring you down to their level, just to make you feel like you don’t matter, project all their insecurities and negativity on you, just bcos they are hating on you and to prove that they are right..SMH
— Taiwo (@taiwo__y) March 12, 2019
Best is to have boundaries, check and balances here, this is a developed country,unlike Nigeria.. You all saying nonsense in my mentions.. you all keep your stupid mentality in Nigeria o.
— Taiwo (@taiwo__y) March 12, 2019
Other reactions
Rather than face the real point of that tweet which is the countless micro aggressions Nigerian women are faced with in the workplace, Nigerian men are going to gaslight that woman into thinking she overreacted.
Own your anger ladies.
— 🐉 (@queennelo1) March 11, 2019
Someone told Taiwo she smells nice, Taiwo now said he’s rude https://t.co/jejAMkfc6b
— Horla✨ (@__horla) March 12, 2019
If a lady tells me I smell nice after an interview in a suggestive tone I’ll tell her “thank you for the compliment. But such compliments can blow your chances in the future.”
If she is a good fit, I’ll still give her the job. And won’t bring it to Twitter.
— Dr. Dípò | The Career🔌 (@OgbeniDipo) March 12, 2019
You people are surprised some Nigerians find “You smell nice” sexual and rude.
Is it not this same Nigeria people find “Are you okay?” rude?
— IG: Omope Abdulazeez (@Iam_Abdolaxis) March 12, 2019
Read more reactions here.
Fun facts; Taiwo posted that tweet on Monday, March 11. It got many people wondering why she conducted a job interview on a Sunday. Also, she’s in Ontario, Canada and not in Nigeria. Now, on to other trending topics on social media this week.
Lagos Island building collapse
On Wednesday, a four storey building containing residential appartments, a nursery and primary school and shops collapsed at the Ita Faji area of Lagos Island. About 100 people were reportedly trapped inside.
A building in Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city, collapsed this morning leaving some people trapped and killed, including primary school children. Investigations are still ongoing. pic.twitter.com/X3q9rO8cJW
— CNN Africa (@CNNAfrica) March 13, 2019
A rescue operation is ongoing in Lagos Island, where a building with a school in it, has collapsed. pic.twitter.com/dU894cNugO
— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) March 13, 2019
WATCH: Children being carried through crowds to ambulances after being pulled from rubble of school building collapse in Lagos, Nigeria. pic.twitter.com/FovL0M7hRQ
— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 13, 2019
A scene from the Lagos building collapse 💔 💔💔 … poor kids 😢😪 pic.twitter.com/A7azA00dln
— Igbo Made (@volqx) March 13, 2019
Reactions
The collapsed school at Itafaji in Lagos Island. Many pupils still trapped under building.
God of mercy 🙏#ItaFajiSchool #Lagos pic.twitter.com/Yg6kqfKrA1
— Grace John❤ (@GraceJo30910269) March 13, 2019
It's sad enough that some students are dead and some are still trapped in the Lagos Island collapsed building. It's even more pathetic that the crowd there won't give way to make the emergency agencies do their job. We still have a long way to go in this country tbh.
— Wale Adetona (@iSlimfit) March 13, 2019
Sad day in Lagos. How a building marked for demolition houses a school may sound odd to many but that's what corruption, impunity, a comatose education sector and the scramble for survival attract. Will this collapse force action or we'll wait until the next tragedy? pic.twitter.com/tjNcHgVvE7
— 'Gbénga Sèsan (@gbengasesan) March 13, 2019
It's a sad day in Lagos Island as a 3 storey building collapsed this morning.
I urge Lagosians close to General Hospital Lagos to assist by coming to the pathologic dept to donate blood voluntarily to help the wounded.
I just did.
Thank you as you help save a life— Sola Giwa (@Sola_Giwa) March 13, 2019
Tragic
So this man at the site of this building collapse in Lagos island is threatening to kill himself as he lost 3 of his kids who sat at home all through last week because of school fees only for him to take them to school today, pay their fees and they all die
I'm deeply hurt 😭😭
— Emeka Uduma (@IAmMrMeks) March 13, 2019
A woman lost all 4 of her children yesterday at the Lagos island collapsed building.
This morning, she poisoned herself and her body is now at the mortuary.Oh God, have mercy!
— Daroyalgaganess (@DaRoyalGaganess) March 14, 2019
REVEALED: Birthday Boy Killed In Lagos Building Collapse ‘Told His Mum He Didn’t Want To Go School’ | Sahara Reporters
“Today is the boy’s birthday; he said he didn't want to go to school because it's his birthday but his mother…@followlasg
READ MORE: https://t.co/8Wc3RcEggr pic.twitter.com/QPkej7Swqt— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) March 14, 2019
FYI
The collapsed Lagos Island building had been marked for demolition & occupants asked to relocate last year.
Months later, the occupants came back, demolition mark erased, someone has been settled.
Now, the building collapsed, killing innocent school pupils.
This is Nigeria!!!
— Adebayo Bankole Akintunde (@AdeBanqie) March 13, 2019
The owner of the School(Aunty Esther) that was Collapsed yesterday at Lagos island has been running the school for over 30years. Even my uncle was one of her first pupils.
Saddest part of this is, she’s been told to vacate the place a year ago.
— Daroyalgaganess (@DaRoyalGaganess) March 14, 2019
A crook must have set up that school within the rickety building in Lagos island with the aid of some nefarious characters in the Ministry of Education, Local govt and other monitoring agencies. There is a guideline for the establishment of public and private schools.. pic.twitter.com/4X1fFYIVDU
— Dr. Guendozi (@fimiletoks) March 13, 2019
The building before it collapsed 💔 pic.twitter.com/1BjmeK2kfq
— Merchant ✨🛍 (@dejokecarew) March 13, 2019
Public figures weigh in
I am deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in the collapse of a building in Lagos Island today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost loved ones in this unfortunate incident. pic.twitter.com/JFhmhr98On
— Akinwunmi Ambode (@AkinwunmiAmbode) March 13, 2019
“This era where people are sitting waiting for other people to come and speak for them needs to stop”.
Following the collapse of the #LagosIsland primary school, #Vector speaks.pic.twitter.com/X5AbNdJfAL
— T S (@ThreadSpotter) March 14, 2019
Deeply saddened by the loss of lives from the collapsed building on Lagos Island. I pray for the souls of the young victims whose lives have been cut short by yet another failure of the Nigerian state. Time to audit all public buildings. Time to enforce building standards.
— Kingsley Moghalu (@MoghaluKingsley) March 15, 2019
Breaks my heart !!💔💔💔 #keepuslord. #lagosisland pic.twitter.com/9pJLAcDge5
— TERRI RYN (@starboyterri) March 13, 2019
Sending Love and prayers to the families affected at the collapsed Building in Lagos Island ❤️❤️❤️ God guidance 🙏🏻
— PATORANKING (@patorankingfire) March 13, 2019
Other reactions
Just a reminder that nobody has been punished for either the Synagogue collapse that killed 100+ people, or the fatal Lekki Gardens block-of-flats collapse.
Not enough deterrence for substandard building in Lagos.
— Pete (@Texazzpete) March 13, 2019
A normal President would have abandoned everything to go visit the scene of the building collapse in Lagos that killed several children.
We are gradually becoming an uncaring society.
— Henry Shield (@henryshield) March 14, 2019
The time is 5.59am.
It is raining heavily in Lagos right now!
There are children still trapped in that collapsed building.
The Lord help them.
— the Morris Monye factor (@monye_morris) March 14, 2019
Lagos Island is largely unfit for human habitation. Everyone knows but no one has the balls to fix it.
— T. Rankïn' ∆ (@AfroVII) March 13, 2019
Read more reactions here.
An official casualty report is yet to be released by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), however, reports making rounds suggest that about 41 people have been rescued and 19 reported dead. Meaning that there are probably still more survivors and bodies to be recovered from the wreck.
Riot hits the University of Nairobi
Unrest at the University of Nairobi (UON) as former student leader was killed yesterday.
Samuel Ragira popular known as OCS Ragira was reportedly killed when he confronted armed thugs who had been terrorising and demanding money in exchange of stalls from traders at Klabu market, located in Nairobi, Kenya.
Following the death of OCS Ragira, students of the University of Nairobi took to the streets of Nairobi to protest and demand justice.
Riots hit University of Nairobi after former student leader killed. https://t.co/zu1xEkfroc pic.twitter.com/ny4Ya2ukcD
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) March 15, 2019
OCS Ragira, Student leader at The University of Nairobi assassinated by unknown assailants.
Students threaten to suspend peace within the CBDhttps://t.co/Hx0RJ4o95f— Obinah O'moraa (@Obinah_Omoraa) March 14, 2019
The University of Nairobi students protest the killing of ex-student leader Ragira #RIPOCSRAGIRA pic.twitter.com/KWxIpJV5mN
— Daily Nation (@dailynation) March 15, 2019
Updates
University of Nairobi students go on the rampage barricading State House road near the main campus as they protest alleged murder of a colleague. pic.twitter.com/IcMgHsB3OS
— The African Voice (@teddyeugene) March 14, 2019
Land grabbers are shooting along Mamlaka road they want to kill all students
University of Nairobi students living in fear of thugs from Mathare and the government is watching @CisNyakundi @MikeSonko @UKenyatta @WilliamsRuto
The government has to do something— Otachi Otachi Official (@otachi_otachi) March 14, 2019
Reactions
My friend, a real fighter @MCAKilimani2017 pole sana… May justice prevail. Such a sad story to loose a schoolmate friend and an activist. OCS Ragira was much famous in the University of Nairobi. pic.twitter.com/7nRmvX9oPF
— Kihuria•Wa•Ndorongo (@KihuriaJohnteh) March 14, 2019
I strongly condemn the killing of one comrade Samuel Ragira who was shot today at club 36 at the university of Nairobi.May his soul Rest In Peace.We shall overcome pic.twitter.com/2b04v0x1K8
— Babu Owino (@Babu_Owino) March 14, 2019
I strongly condemn the killing of one comrade Samuel Ragira who was shot today at club 36 at the university of Nairobi.May his soul Rest In Peace.We shall overcome pic.twitter.com/2b04v0x1K8
— Babu Owino (@Babu_Owino) March 14, 2019
No one is safe, including the killers.
University of Nairobi Comrade murdered, unacceptable.— Dennis Mugwiriah (@Mugwiriadk) March 14, 2019
Other reactions
Land grabbers are shooting along Mamlaka road they want to kill all students
University of Nairobi students living in fear of thugs from Mathare and the government is watching @CisNyakundi @MikeSonko @UKenyatta @WilliamsRuto
The government has to do something— Otachi Otachi Official (@otachi_otachi) March 14, 2019
University of Nairobi is a place you go study, graduate and go away. I mean far away never to engage or look like you are politically inclined. #RIPOCSRAGIRA
— Busia Youths Network (@devanclerks) March 15, 2019
University of Nairobi is among the most prestigious schools of higher learning in Africa,with such happenings, this glory is going to the dogs.
— Lankas mcray (@mcray_lankas) March 15, 2019
I knew OCS Ragira in my first week in The University of Nairobi when he together with @jamalbirkin held Mbuzi choma party for the then first years. Have known Ragira to be fighter for students nationally, he died in unclear circumstances and we demand justice #RIPOCSRAGIRA pic.twitter.com/6Sclz4cRo7
— Ochieng' Aloice (@OdhiamboAloice) March 14, 2019
Read more here.
Adesua Etomi is on the cover of Vogue Magazine
This week, world famous fashion and lifestyle magazine, Vogue Magazine unvieled its April issue, celebrating “14 global superstars who transcend borders”.
Featured in the issue and on the cover of the magazine is Nigeria’s own ace actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington.
We’re excited to reveal our April issue, celebrating 14 global superstars who transcend borders: https://t.co/8lOwlZfQgj pic.twitter.com/8jlKJTdHc3
— Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) March 14, 2019
Reactions
Her family and friends congratulating her
Breaking news: My wife is on the cover of @voguemagazine!!!!!!!!!!
@AdesuaEtomiW you are such an inspiration!!! I'm soooo PROUD of you and happy for you. This is only the beginning, by God's grace. Shine like the star you were always meant to be, baby. Shine!!! pic.twitter.com/wpcqLLxvt4
— Banky Wellington (@BankyW) March 14, 2019
Oshey Etomi power 🙌🏾🙌🏾 My cousin is on the cover of Vogue 👏🏾👏🏾 @AdesuaEtomiW pic.twitter.com/w12vJJgPrm
— Ozzy Etomi (@ozzyetomi) March 14, 2019
It is a big freaking deal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On the cover of the @voguemagazine!!!@AdesuaEtomiW kimon!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/xisMmVoNtG— Ebuka Obi-Uchendu (@Ebuka) March 14, 2019
Get it girl!
Adesua on the cover of Vogue is just so epic. Dream big guys. Anything is possible 💃💃💃💥💥
— Bolanle Olukanni (@bolanleolukanni) March 14, 2019
Adesua Etomi on the cover of American Vogue is just making my heart swell. I’m so proud and so happy. pic.twitter.com/FNDwKplzMq
— Shawarma Huntress 🌯🏹 (@shawarmahuntres) March 14, 2019
Adesua on the cover of Vogue….I'm gagged 😱😱😍😍🥰…..so so proud of her 💞💞💞 pic.twitter.com/vox8dscOKa
— Adventures with O’flames (@flames_tweets) March 14, 2019
Omggggg Adesua Etomi made the cover of Vogue?? That’s major!!!
— Aku Addy. (@_KingJane) March 14, 2019
Wait, did they darken her skin tone?
But, why did Vogue edit Adesua Etomi’s skin colour? To pass her off as a black woman?
— Tessyama🇺🇸 (@tescool) March 14, 2019
Is it me or did they darken Adesua for this shoot?
Black women come in several shades and are beautiful regardless!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/Z5y68vJU9E
— Igbo Wolf (@TheIgboWolf) March 14, 2019
My own is why did they darken Adesua’s skin in that cover?
— FlawlessKunu by day, DJCUSTARD at Night (@_SharonKalu) March 14, 2019
Why did they darken Adesua's skin biko pic.twitter.com/tLWE805ovA
— OluDaddy 💔 (@Oluchi_Ivor) March 14, 2019
Other reactions
Can't we be happy for Adesua Etomi-Wellington and enjoy it – stop this complaints of her skin tone being darker biko – did they use it to do us? 😒
— Ladi (@LadiSpeaks) March 14, 2019
Great for Adesua to get Vogue. But, erm, this reads like sci-fi journalism:
"The Nigerian actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington can’t walk down the street in Lagos without getting mobbed, and if she’s with her husband, the actor Banky Wellington, forget it…"https://t.co/iHlU4jNZTB
— Oris Oris Aigbokhaevbolo (@Catchoris) March 14, 2019
Adesua's price just went up 👏👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/9rCcrbBP6S
— #BabaTee 🇳🇬 (@TheBabaTee) March 14, 2019
There's nothing quite exciting about Adesua's Vogue cover/feature and that's not me being what you'll term a "hater". Just read the article and see if you get me
— Mauve (@SharonMauve) March 14, 2019
Read more here.
NEW REPORT: Nigerian startups raised $17.6m in Q1 2019, 8.5% higher than they did in Q1 2018. Find out more in the latest quarterly edition of the Nigerian Startup Funding Report here.
On the 1st of June 2019, Techpoint will host over 3,000 leading experts, enthusiasts, innovators, entrepreneurs, career professionals, and policymakers in Lagos at #TechpointInspired, the largest tech conference in West Africa, where issues Future of Work, AI & Robotics & Blockchain and many more will be discussed Techpoint Inspired. Register now.
There will be a private dinner for Speaker and VIP holders on the 2nd of June. Get a ticket now
