The Pre-manifesto Interviews: MEET THE CANDIDATES 1

The office of the Social Secretary and the Assistant Social Secretary

For the office of the Social Secretary:

Otote Michael Osazee

• By Precious Umeasalugo

Otote Michael Osazee, popularly known as Mike, is a socially active liberal and an activist. His ideology? Humans are social beings that work efficiently in social environments, and this is why he thrives in such situations. 

For the pre-manifesto interviews, we spoke to Mike about his background, his dreams for APSUL, and his thoughts on the social year killers, apathy and a lack of inclusivity. Take a look:

Hi Mike! Thanks for honouring our call for this interview. What have you learned about the department's social scene from an APSULite's POV and a candidate's? 

I will say the department did its best, but it was not good enough. I feel like many things could have been done differently to improve the lifestyle of the APSUL social scene, like timely inclusion, motivation, etc. But that's why I'm vying for this position to change all the flaws left behind.

Speaking of flaws, what do you think about apathy in the department? And what's one thing you want to do to help in that regard?

The apathy in the department is disheartening, and it appears to stem from the individual classes to a grander scale that affects the department as a whole. I'm all about communication, inclusion, and engagement, so I would see what is causing the apathy in all classes first, listen to them, fix them by keeping them involved in departmental affairs, rotate social activities among classes, and keep them engaged by offering inclusive experiences that cater to every individual, class, or group.

Beyond your zeal, could you shed some light on your background on the social scene? Any committees or events you've chaired or participated in?

To name a few, I have organized two events/parties since I got into school, both of which were hugely successful. I am and have been a member of APSUL's sports committee, a member of COMPSSA's social committee, a member of APSUL's dinner committee, and a member of class PANDORA's social committee. I've also participated in event committees for ULSSA, Mariere, and others outside CMUL.

Great! What are you most eager to build on from the current Social Secretary's (Fadero Timilehin) work?

Inclusion and listening to others. I want to build a long-lasting connection that will transcend across APSUL through time. Creating diverse events that will be a tradition as time goes on.

What personal qualities make you an excellent candidate for this office?

I'm just a very social being. I'm energetic, a planner, confident, bold, and committed. I have faced various obstacles in every event I have organized, but I have never given up. I always see things through. Once I set my mind to something, I will finish it.

If you are not voted in, would you still be willing to share your ideas and experience with the department? And to what capacity?

Of course, all I care about is the best for the department, just as I care about making everyone have a good time while going through the mental stress of this school, lol. I will help by sharing my resources, contacting my connections, sourcing for funds, and anything within my power.

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For the office of the assistant social secretary:

Adebiyi Adeola Abibat

• By Precious Umeasalugo

Fun, passionate, and entrepreneurial: three undeniable qualities Adebiyi Adeola possesses. Adebiyi is all about succeeding at everything she puts her mind and resources to, be it school or her APSUL-nominated business, Shoppwithdee. She explains that her entrepreneurial spirit extends far beyond her small business and is visible in her leadership skills as well. From resilience and patience to her critical thinking skills, Adebiyi has a big heart and a brilliant mind, enough to take on the post of Assistant Social Secretary.

For the pre-manifesto interviews, we spoke to Adebiyi about her background, goals for APSUL's social scene, and how paying attention to introversion might remedy APSUL's prevalent apathy. Get into it:

Hi Adeola! We're incredibly pleased to have you with us. In your honest opinion, what do you think about apathy in the department? And what's one thing you want to do to help in that regard?

One thing about apathy is that it stems from disconnection. Most times, it's not the student's desire to be negligent and non-interactive. They just don't feel they're a part of what is happening. Once the students get involved in the department's activities, I firmly believe apathy will be reduced. 

One idea I have is to create events that are not too overwhelming, even for introverts to participate. Because once they feel comfortable and know that they were thought about before the event was planned, they'll feel like a part of this, which can help with the apathy in the department.

That is an exciting line of thought. Asides from the apathy, what do you think you've learned about the department's social scene, both from an APSULite's POV and a candidate's? 

From an APSULite, I've learned that when the social scenes carry them along, it makes them feel more like a part of the association, and in some events, they wish they had had more of this. As a candidate, I believe the department has been working, but more work can be done. I'm contesting for this position because I'm willing to work with everyone to change all the issues left.

Beyond your zeal, could you shed some light on your background in the social scene? Any committees you've chaired or participated in?

I was actively involved in a social event in the department and volunteered to be an usher to help. I have also been present in almost all the events the department has organized, and I took part in making the cultural night a success. 

And what personal qualities make you an excellent candidate?

I make people feel comfortable. I'm jovial and a very lighthearted person. I always want people around me to be happy. I know that this role is a perfect fit for my personal qualities. I also love to go all the way out for a good cause, and once I set my heart to something, I don't give up until it's done. My younger sister knows me well for this😹.

Great! What are you most eager to build on from the current Assistant Social Secretary's (Uwawuike Nkechi Amanda) work?

I would love to build on security in socialization as well as inclusion. I would love to welcome fun and make these events something APSULites look forward to. 

And if you are not voted in, would you still be willing to share your ideas and experience with the department? And to what capacity?

Yes. I would be more than happy to share my ideas and experience with the department. I believe every APSULite has something valuable to contribute and to make our department a better place; I would love to continue working with my fellow students as a team.

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