In my interview, the HR Manager had described the HH group as a family; for all of us who follow a certain career page on the gram, your first thought would ‘RED FLAG!!’. But I kept an open mind and I still do.
My first few weeks were tasking, as I was thrown right into the build-up for the launch of Aura, July 8th remains a blur, literally. I went from Handicraft Village, to paint and sip, amazing lunch then a launch event, screaming Tiwa Savage lyrics with my colleagues. It didn’t end there, the night ended at play. Did I have work at 8am the next morning? YES! Was I aware that my MD/CEO would be the first one at the office despite that fact that she was dancing with us at PLAY Hilton, YES! But I took the risk and partied anyway. When my colleague, Anu and I, hung our boots at almost 3 am, our President/CEO said to us that Tiwa hadn’t arrived, and the party was just getting started. It was then I knew that I had signed a contract with an unusual place. It wasn’t all about working hard, we partied hard too.
Work continued and as I was slowly easing out of the new girl phase, I found a new form of love working with HH People and partying at TGIF afterwards as if we didn’t just receive heavy ‘gbas gbos’ or there’s no urgent work. An extreme sport is what I call it, because once party time is over, we automatically reset to goal mode. I would say my one year as an HH person has changed me, a little bit. I enjoy myself a lot more and of course, I have an enjoyment ministry within the group.
The highlight of my time here must be December 2021. It was 6:30 am on a weekday that I’m not sure of and the President/GCEO, Owen Omogiafo had asked on the group chat, who was interested to attend the much-anticipated Chairman’s Christmas Party, the opportunity was open to but a few. Anu was on leave and as a monitoring spirit, she indicated interest on my behalf and called me to park my car, as I was driving to work at the time. By the way, something HH will surely give you, is a family that has your back and supports your ministry! That same week, I was voted Rookie of the Year by the Transcorp Hotels team at our end of year team bonding in Abuja. It was a quick impromptu trip that left the Transcorp Center team a little jealous at first until two of my colleagues showed up with bad colds on Monday.
We were still in deep COVID times and as such, they were asked to take COVID tests, in fact, the Aura team was asked to take tests as we had just spent the last few days together. Anu and I cruised to the test center as we discussed Secret Santa gifts and outfit suggestions for the Christmas Party. The day’s date was December 13th, 2021. We were so sure of everything. At 8 pm I called Anu to let her know my results and immediately, she exclaimed “AAAAHH!!, Oyime the partyyy!” We had just bought ourselves 2 weeks of isolation and vitamins. I dare say that in those lonely days, our health wasn’t our focus, but FOMO. The singular fear of missing out.
Work had to go on and from the comfort of our homes, the Aura team planned and executed The Aura Experience with DANG. It was amazing and it gave me a new sense of belief in our ability to be innovative and execute excellently, but deep down, I wanted a ray of hope that we wouldn’t miss the party. Anu on the other hand, prayed and chanted “What God cannot do does not exist!”
Monday December 20th, we accepted our fate after series of outrageous negotiations with HR, we kept our glam budgets just in case. We were happy that we were alive and well. I knew that the party bug had eaten deep into my soul when HR sent a message on Tuesday morning, telling us our prayers had been answered and we could get tested ahead of the party. My joy couldn’t be contained. With faith, we cruised to HH and got tested, ordered outfits, everything was set. The wait for results was the longest 24 hours of our lives, but we got glammed up regardless.
Our results came eventually, late in the evening and I must say Burna Boys’ lyrics hit different that night because I sang it in the Chairman’s yard with so much passion and joy! Nobody knew what I had been through. It is just a party to some people, but the camera, lights, champagne, and action?? FOMO wasn’t an option. Till date, that has been the highlight of my time as an HH Person. Funny story when we think about it but, hey, these are the moments we live for with family.
