BEACH PARTY

All work and no play they say……

We sure needed the play as we were getting too serious. We decided to take time off our “yet to be” busy schedules to unwind. We also needed to bond before the much talked about rigorous program starts. The bond had started to form, but err we still needed to officially bond together as a class. 

sea side chilling

New Friendships ..... don't worry there is some room to breath

As expected, we all had fun and this was away from the LBS standard of dressing, where guys had to always be suited up, and girls running ‘helter skelter’ trying to hide for fear of being sent home for wearing below the required standards (loooooool).

Who knew MBA 13 class had rock stars? People like Ose, Tobi, Mena, Ayotunde, Kene, Chiamaka, Jumoke, Ope, and Segun sure rocked the event. Infact everyone brought different dancing skills to the floor. 

Moves like Jagger

My humble self was busy giggling about. 

Moi

It was sure a memorable event, and gradually we are turning into family. I am hopeful it stays that way even when the rigorous program starts.

hmmm ......... I wonder how many fingers are in the air

And yea, we just concluded our class elections and Thompson beat me to the post of Social Director (sad much….. loool). Congrats Thompson, u sure deserved it, congrats to all the winners.

Finally, Just so u know MBA 12, we’ve been expecting you and it feels like we’re the only MBA students in school. Come back already!

Yours Truly

Chiamaka Madu

MBA 13

………..WELCOME……….

Hello….Its Flavia officially welcoming you to LBS…I would want to  first of all congratulate you all who made it through the admission process and finally into this very prestigious institution. I assure you that this would be an experience you all would cherish forever.

Let me start by making one thing very clear and at the same time put your mind at ease. You all must have heard a lot of crazy stuff about the MBA program at LBS. You must have been told of how rigorous and mind blowing the program is. Well, let me clear the air on this very delicate issue.

EVERYTHING YOU HAVE HEARD SO FAR IS TRUE (sorry). Yes! I wrote earlier that it would be an experience you would cherish forever, but I never said it would be easy.

Your 15 months in this lovely place would drive you crazy. You all would get so stretched and tired and even question your decision of coming here in the first place. But the good news is after a while, it comes to you easily. You will learn to move fast and work smart. At the same time, you will develop the ability to think and analyze situations differently and efficiently. As time goes by, you probably won’t realize how much you have evolved until your loved ones tell you. I assure you that in a few months, you would be blown away by how much you have learnt about the business world.

On the bright side, the LBS experience comes with a side attraction, fun times and close-knit relationships. I have met the most amazing people here and I am sure you all would, that is if you open your mind to it. There would be a little bit of tension in the first few weeks amongst yourselves, but don’t worry, that’s just a phase that would pass away with some patience. You all would gradually learn to appreciate the differences in people and love them for the beautiful people they are.

Some beautiful people and myself (at the centre)

Finally, I would want to indulge you all to come here with an open mind. Most of you would be coming from different educational backgrounds and at first it would seem as though some people are at an advantage. But don’t worry; you all would realize that at the end, you all came here for the same reason…TO GROW AS INDIVIDUALS.

WELCOME MBA 13

Salut! My name is Olayinka Adegoke (Director of Socials), I would like to welcome you to the LBS, and you have definitely made the right choice. Here is what I have to say:

Ose and I

• All your friends are going to ask you if you are the first person to do an MBA. It is not going to be intentional but you will definitely lose touch with a lot of people due to the fact that you have to read and not just read but analyze a lot of cases and also do assignments. My advice to you in the area is to choose either Saturday or Sunday to take some time out to holla at friends and family so they will know you are still alive. LOL

• Group members and Class mates: You will not do well (I am not swearing for you o) if you do not learn to love and work with your group members and classmates. They are your lifeline, you cannot know everything. It won’t be easy at first, but you will gradually learn to rely on them.

• Facilitators: They are not teachers oooooooooo, do not be a learner, they are facilitators. They enable the process of learning to happen. This was kinda hard to adjust to, because we were all used to sitting in class and letting our lecturers do ALL the talking, but here you and your classmates will do at least 90% of the talking. Be prepared.

• Class Participation: Some people will make it seem like a do or die affair, you will be shocked at the “cacophonic teledomias” that comes out of peoples mouth just so that they can get some marks. Ensure you read and analyze your cases at home first and make good use of group meetings and you will be fine, it will come naturally.

• MBA 13: If you are experiencing any challenges spiritually (Oluchi), academically (Yinka Boy), financially (Olamide), emotionally (Folu), psychologically, physically (Onyanta), socially (My humble self) materially (Seni) etc, our doors are wide open there will be someone who will be able to help you, do not hesitate.

•  The Food: The price is reasonable and the food tastes good.  You will appreciate it by the time you start internship and realize you have to start eating oily and unhealthy food in order not to starve. LOL 

• All work and no play makes Jack and Jill dull: You have to learn to find time to relax, “work hard and play hard”. You are going to be invited for a welcome party by MBA 12, you should all be prepared to come or else your class participation marks will disappear. LOOOOOL

If I left any aspect out NO VEX, ask me when you see me. LOL.

Joyeux Anniversaire MBA 12!!!

On this day last year (September, 2nd 2013), 49 brilliant minds were admitted into Lagos Business School to form the MBA 12 Class and that morning I was in school by 6.15a.m (Please don't shout yet.......... I met Titilayo Williams in school dozing in the waiting room).....hehehehhehehehehe no be today!

I was really eager to meet my new classmates and after a while Folu and Yinka Adegoke walked in am sure that is the earliest they have been in school since then.... (In my mind I was like who is this Dada girl in my class little did I know that she would be my Caro of life!) Much love Yinkus Peperepe.......and Folu my first friend.

School Tour...and Yinka Adegoke cracked me up all through.....The guy decided to take us to the creche after all the mother's and children lovers started doing the Awwwww...Ahan Ahan tinz like Flavia. Okay so my feet was sore after a long walk and I started limping thanks to Nneka and crew who never brought their kids to the Creche 

Adeola oh!! I thought there was something wrong with this babe...she was always on her phone either pinging, taking pictures or just smiling at it. Who brought this social media addict to my class?.....Little did I know that the sweetie was just recovering from a B.sc in Physics and Solar something (Adeola what is the name of that your course sef?) After all the solar things you and Flavia (Miss Plant) still charge your phones in school

Everyone in the MBA 12 Class makes the class complete in their own unique way. I cannot start to imagine the class without any of you..........

Justus: Aloe vera presentation of life! You make even SPEB class interesting for the people on my wing. I am sure you know how.

Seun Girl: With her Ojukwu's glasses.....Dabira's betrothed. Thanks to LBS that sound when you talk is gone forever. AMEN!

Dabira: My pastor....I  still apologize for Tolu's presentation. I am sure she is still in your prayers. You still answer the answer the toughest of questions correctly tho...

Yemi Recharge Card: Your HTC is getting outdated oh!!! I expect a new model from you next semester.

Ose: What would the guys do without you? (In Thad's voice). I hope Demi survives this second year. Pretty much......

Betty: The last time I checked you were married.....Please reconfirm your status.

Uche: CheChe.......I am sure to be seeing you around more often now HE is away..... 

Mariam: Alhaja that wears........Okay oh! I miss your cute smile. We don't ever agree but what can I do? learning noni.....

Babalola: Prezi King! You have one more semester to go. You either meet my Father or I get married to Alhaji Dantata. No more cutting eye in class. 

Onyata: My finance CEO.......What is giving you sleepless night??? Noooooo I sleep properly Sir!

Oluchi: You wonder why Flavia and I smile at you? We shall tell you when we graduate so you don't beat us. You bring the Holy Spirit into the class.....after sending it away though.....

Nwanne: I know how to cook ask Flavia........That awkward moment wen you tell d world your secret.....

Yinka Boi: Hmmm.....you have been going from France to London to Baba Ijebu and finally McK........It is well. Just teach the MBA 13 students how to read Yetunde's mind.

Nkechi: Nwa Chief...Happy Married life in advance.....If you start looking for Nkechi suddenly please check the car park. It is a black Benz wud give the car nos soon. (Privileged information)

Ibifuro: When you are with Kingsley, your ring goes into your bag. God is watching you oh!

Kingsley: Ibifuro is engaged please.....Stop doing bestie with someone's wife.

Tolu: After the honey moon comes LBS Creche trust me...we wud be there to support you.

Tito: You are strong....anyone that thinks otherwise should pack to Epe!

Dimeji: I don't even know which is your name of preference. I assume Mr. experience.....you have experience in almost everything. Wisdom is therefore not measured by the size of your shoe....

Omoye: Group 2 , maama.....am sure u miss ur children. Babz, Klaus and Borode especially.

Ifeyinwa: Tired on Monday morning..... Your church they do vigil for Oriental? Pretty Chinese babe.

Oyindamola: Some students make d job worth.......... while (Kayode!) Omo Daddy.

Seni: I doubt the AVALABILITY of that shoe Isabella requested for.

Lukman: Prof. Ajayi wud miss you greatly......... Please get more stuff for the sweet store.

Gazeebo Babes: It is Tuesday... Sharwama for lunch.

Adeyemi: Your point being.....you doze with confidence.  So much knowledge about the political environment.

Francis Mai Man: Let's leave your comment for Friday Night at the usual lounge....Pretty Distraction 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9! Haba fear God nah.

Chinedu: Your name does not even permit facilitators to ask you questions....Unlike people like Yinka, Yemi, Seni and Crew.

Uju: Don't worry your son would marry Seni's daughter or Onyata's 

Yinka Dada: Natural Beauty......MBA 12 Class without you would be like a library.

Adeola: Toastmaster of life......Keep it up. Kindly change your earrings this semester if not........

Oluwafunmilayo: I have a question oh....I don't quite agree with you......

Osazee: Please respect the Chain of Command.....(HBO tinz)

Seun Boy: No more hiding of talents this new semester. Please.....a lamp cannot be lit under a bed.

Klaus: You have amazing strengths in technology and I look forward to greater achievements.

Isabella: Your willingness  to learn is encouraging... Just ask the people way carry your matter for head how market?

Borode: The only dude that goes on vacation during winter. I have survived one year without pneumonia. God wud see me through.... this final lap.

Opeeeeeeee: My Badore paddy... the thought of the size of your skirt sets me in the jogging mood.

Funke: You were amazing during Business Statistics. I don't remember those confusing formulas right now but believe me I try.

Bose: You are just a wife to be proud of...... Total Package.

Somto: Relax it is just an MBA Program not a relay race

Flavia: You know death is inevitable....I can hold the calculator please do the calculation. Bottom line (Figures.....as Nwanne wud say)

Demi: Omo Pastor....Strategic location for scoping Ose Thanks to Folu you still concentrate.  

Taiwo: I have a question....... You just gave the answer my friend don't be stealing class participation like that nah

Folu: Just like you try to understand me... I have come to understand that you just have a beautiful heart and can hardly say No to people.

Omo London:  Over and done with.......... Olamide please how much is that bag? Just 20k....Ehen? se Ghana must go ni?

Nneka: With you...life is not as hard as people see it. Jejeloye

I knew I forgot somebody.
JO JO: Joseph please forgive me.....you know you are one of the components of my soul.....Just wait lemme tell you sth don't stand up from your sit yet!

A lot of lessons have been learnt during the internship I can't wait for the new MBA 12 .... Together and better.

I love you all more than Class participation.......I swear!(Owolabi's swear)

Best Regards,

Nwabueze Somto

Success Tips by Olayinka

Hello guys, my name is Olayinka and I’d like to welcome you to the MBA program. One thing I’ll promise you up front is that you are in for the ride of a lifetime.
I’d like to share some of my thoughts on the MBA program with you.

Me Chilling

1.The MBA is much more than getting an additional degree; it’s a character and capacity building exercise. My advice; get set to be stretched...you won’t snap!

2.Beyond the binders, deadlines, assignments and projects, I believe the relationships, bonds and experiences forged from going through the various challenges with colleagues are invaluable.

3.The LBS MBA is not the typical learning process you are most likely use to, so don’t be afraid to
a.express your views
b.be critical
c.challenge the facilitators if you don’t agree with them (respectfully)
Most of the learning comes from the discussions.

4.The facilitators genuinely want you to learn. My advice; don’t take anything personal.

5.Getting that dream job that made you decide to get an MBA is entirely in your hands. LBS didn’t promise you employment, LBS seeks to give you that edge and opportunities that will distinguish you among contemporaries. Imbibing that edge and making good use of the opportunities is entirely up to you. You will do well to always remember this.

6.Lastly, I believe you will have an amazing time.

Welcome on board.
Olayinka M.

My Escapade as Chairman, “Meet the CEO” Conference

And so it happened, I was nominated to be the Chairman of the 2014 “Meet the CEO” conference. At first, I thought to myself, how difficult could it be? Then as weeks and months went by, the reality started setting in. The magnitude of the work started to dawn on me; the initial excitement of being called the “Chairman” or “Oga at the top” or the “HNIC” started to fade away. I suddenly realized that the conference will require fund raising. Though I had participated in organizing other events in the past, I had never been a chairman neither had I ever been in charge of fund raising.

The committee came up with the theme of the conference. We decided to make it different from the previous years. We all agreed to the kind of CEO’s we were looking towards inviting. We set out the following criteria – young, huge media awareness and successful. Industries chosen include: Consulting, New Media, Transportation, Branding & Marketing, Oil & Gas, Fashion, Social Media, Real Estate, Catering and hospitality, Tourism and Music & Entertainment.

As time went by, we discovered how difficult it was to invite 12 CEO’s to a conference. Another (greater) challenge was seeking sponsorship. Companies just did not see the benefit of sponsoring the event. We spoke all the grammar (corporate social responsibility, increased brand awareness, bla bla bla….) but they just wouldn’t give up that cheddah!

Fast forward to January 2014 (3weeks to the event), we still had only 5 CEO’s (out of 12) confirmed and no sponsors. Team morale was growing low. As the leader, I had to search for energy from deep within myself. I convinced the committee members to stay the course. I called for more meetings and requested for daily updates at night via the BB group. I became a thorn in the flesh of my committee member’s.

Fast forward to one week, we had 10 CEO’s confirmed but no keynote speaker and still no sponsor. Then we reached out to everyone for help including lecturers and even students. I approached a company (Terragon Limited) for sponsorship and they agreed to make a sizeable pledge. I felt like I just won the world cup. Then I realized the difference between a pledge and actual cash in hand. We did not receive the sponsorship donation till a couple of days to the event. Finally we got confirmation of our 12^th CEO. I can remember one committee member doing a dance that resembled “azonto” in rewind. 

“D-Day”: All CEO’s were present. Though the event started a little late (with small hitches here and there), it was a success.

I would like to say a big thank you to all CEO’s present, faculty of Lagos Business School, students of MBA 11 and 12 classes and a special thank you to the committee members. Your dedication made the event a total success.

Moyosore Awopegba  - SME Logic President

Dolapo Oladele – SME Logic Vice President

Jide Shoyebo – SME Logic Secretary

Kayinsola Smith – “Meet the CEO” Committee Deputy Chairman

Tomi Olakiigbe – “Meet the CEO” Committee Secretary

Othuko Olori

Kingsley Ehimkia

Monalisa Oghinan

I would also like to show appreciation to the following people:

David Asonye – Audio-visual coordinator

Sanumi Dawodu – Graphics & Design (Lagos Business School)

Shola Aromokun -  Social Media (Lagos Business School)

Thank you all so much. Given the opportunity, I would be glad to work with you all again.