I recall the exact moment I got the email that BHM will be offering me employment, “Congrats Damilola, you’re the 1”, the subject read. That is probably the best subject heading I got in 2021 and I felt properly elated. It had been a long process but it was worth it because I was finally in one of Nigeria’s leading communications firms.
Even after getting numerous emails and signing the offer letter, I was still quite suspicious that I was probably being pranked. After all, I had no prior experience in PR. It got real for me when I had my first orientation session, this was no joke and I could start calling myself a staff of BHM.
I remember the orientation sessions fondly because it gave me great insight into BHM’s practices and operations. I was really stunned by how confident and efficient each handler spoke, it was so easy to tell that they were masters of their craft with how easy they made it seem. It felt comforting when we were advised to always ask questions because BHM operates way differently from any other PR firm.
For me, the friendliness at BHM is none like I have witnessed at any organisation. It is so unique and it stands out, everyone is addressed as Boss and always willing to help. I would say BHM is the perfect embodiment of the statement “No man is an Island”.
Memories of my first time in the office are brought back to me as I write this. Omoniyi Kaka, on the Nigeria Breweries team took myself and fellow newcomer, Dipo Omoware on a tour around the office. We arrived at a floor totally dedicated to relaxation. I could tell that BHM takes good care of its people.
During one of the orientation sessions, I got an email that myself and Ayomide Oyetunde will be on the MTN account. I’m going to admit that it was a relief that I was not the only newcomer on the team because it meant I already had someone I could relate experiences with.
Myself and Ayomide joined the team right on the verge of the MTN Public Shares Offer Campaign. Precious usually tells us it was baptism of fire, it probably was because we had to come up to speed with what the campaign was all about in a short time but, it really didn’t seem like a fire baptism because every single person on the team was incredibly helpful, willing to assist and guide us.
I was placed on the marketing team with Blossom Deji-Folutile and Tobi Agbede, I jokingly tell them sometimes that they saved my life. They might think I am probably joking, however, I am totally serious because these two have really helped me in my journey. Whatever kudos I have gotten is down to them, they always come through for me when I am in a tough situation and need assistance.
My first activation was the mPulse Spelling Bee finale, it was held at the MTN Head office. This was really exciting for me as I never envisaged working for MTN less alone think of working in the Head Office. The finale fell on the same day my favorite team, Arsenal, had a game. For the first time in as long as I can recall, I missed an Arsenal match and I didn’t mind at all because I felt fulfilled.
The most fun albeit draining campaign I have worked on in my short duration has to be the Public Offer. For about three weeks, there was minimal rest for everyone on the team and things were moving at a thousand miles per hour. I think we did so great a job on the campaign that the client advised us to pause other campaigns to avoid a clutter of mentions.
I was in charge of making sure we had photographers at the roadshows. It was strenuous because locations and timing of the events could be changed at a whim without notice, I had to follow up with so many people before briefing the photographers on where to arrive and what time to arrive. The lady who sells recharge cards to me must have been so happy because I probably made her a bit of fortune.
I am not at the level I want to be yet, but with so many helpful people around me. I’m confident I will be there soon.
We have started something special together, here’s to making more magic.