Interview Thursday: The Awesome SolomonSydelle

She was the second blogger to leave comment on my blog when I started. I actually wondered then how she was able to find me. I later realized that she found other new bloggers too. She is dedicated. She uses her talent to do a lot of wonderful and meainingful things through her blogs. Please, welcome with me, our very Scintillating SolomonSydelle

You are named the headmistress of blogville by Naijaleta. Do you feel like it?
No not really, but it is funny. Naijaleta called me that, I believe. For one thing, I don't think I am old enough to be a headmistress. Thankfully, I liked my headmistress from primary school. She only punished me once. So, as long as that 'Headmistress' term is a positive one, I accept it and promise to not punish anyone.

You have a very wonderful blog that discusses Nigerian issues- called Nigerian CURIOSITY, what inspired this?
Well, I am a very curious person and I am always seeking to learn. There were things about Nigerian culture, politics and public branding that I wanted to learn more about. I figured that starting a blog around those issues would prove educational and entertaining. So far, so good.

How do you sources for all the relevant issues you discussed on Nigeria Curiosity?
Well, the truth is that when I started, it was difficult to find a lot of the relevant information that I needed. Now, I am lucky to have readers send me information and point me in the right direction whenever I ask for help. Oh, and I rely heavily on my legal training to do research online, as well.

How tasking is this for you as you equally have another blog that talks about your children and also seek advice for germane issues affecting other people on that particular blog?
I never thought it would be difficult, but there are times when doing both is cumbersome. I thank God that at my ...Easier... site, we are such a fun crew that by the time I read comments or visit a fellow Nigerian blog, I am inspired to share a silly story about my kids.

What is your occupation?
Well, I am a lawyer by training, but I am now the Chief Home Executive of my family. So, I stay home and care for, play with, teach, spank and love my kids. Oh and I change loads of diapers too.

I know you want to keep your identity secret as you have being doing on blogville but could you please tell us something about yourself?
Um, uh. What with the recent arrest of a Nigerian blogger that discusses politics, I no go lie, I dey fear say awon SSS boys go read this interview. Abeg, I no wan wahala oh!

You announced once that blogville sisters should be careful of wolves and you invited them to join a particular group. Can you say more on this?
I was just encouraging all bloggers and especially young female bloggers to work together and remember that ultimately, we are a family that is stronger when we look out for each other. At the time, I had discovered that a few of us were being taken advantage of and pitted against each other for no good reason. That's all.

Is the group still running as I tried to join to no avail?
Ah, the Senior Babe Network is definitely up and running oh. I could name a couple member that you know sef. What do you mean you tried to join to no avail? Haba, but your invitation was sent to you nah?

How do you attract people that approach you for advice on "talk to the easier crew"?
Talk To The Easier Crew started as a joke. I asked my kids a question about bathrooms that a friend sent in. I recorded their answer and put it up on the blog. From then on, people started sending me issues that they wanted help on. For many, I personally answer their questions and correspond with them as best my schedule allows. For others, they expressly ask that their questions be put up on the blog and so, I do so. Thank God, most of the discussions have proven helpful.

Can you share with us your most remarkable moment and why it is the most remarkable moment?
I take it you mean my most remarkable blogville related moment. I would have to say it was in May 2007 when so many of us Nigerian bloggers got together to participate in the Nigerian Proclamation. It was inspiring to see so many Nigerians work together on something so simple. I was glad that Nigerian bloggers got respect via the BBC recognition and eventually United Nations recognition of our work. That was exciting. Oh, and Ms. Catwalq's excellent project '14th & Serenity". I cannot thank her enough for including me, a non fiction writer, in that event. It was so much fun!

From your blog commitment and the issues you always raise, you appear to me a very resourceful, purposeful and concerned individual, how do you manage to achieve all these with your young children and their demands from your time?
Oh, wow, are you talking about me with all those adjectives? Well, thankfully, my kids and I always find time to do what we love doing, goofing around and having fun. My husband is also very helpful. He knows that I thoroughly enjoy blogging and forgives me when dinner is oh, 5 minutes late because I am chatting away with a fellow blogger or laughing hysterically at someone's blog.

Can you name 5 blogs you like most and why?
Gosh, I read so many blogs you would be amazed. I can't help but mention Waffy's blogs. Her take on things is always so refreshing especially when she expresses them like a true waffarian. Notjustok supplies my Naija music fix on the regular. Jaycee's blog is always a great place to start the day with some wisdom. Mootbox satisfies my business/politics fix. And, I really enjoy reading your interviews and other posts. Am I at 5 yet?

Any last word for the readers/bloggers?
First and foremost, I have to say thank you for this opportunity. I'm not sure what I did to deserve an interview but this was quite exciting! I wish everyone the best and would just like to encourage all bloggers to continue what they are doing. It is not easy, I know. Just keep doing what you enjoy doing, try to be innovative and have fun along the way. Thanks again for this Standtall. I should have my kids interview you. Now, that would be interesting.