THE THREE WEEKS — 21DAYS ADVENTURE;
Before anything, I show a very deep sense of appreciation to the Almighty, my Parents, some friends, and well-wishers. As an adage says; there's no effect without a cause. Without them, I'd not be here today trying to give a short details of my 21days long, tiring, and fun filled journey at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Fanisau Dutse, Jigawa State under the umbrella of the Executive Governor; Mallam Umar. A. Namadi, and the leadership of the NYSC State Coordinator; Alhaja Aisha Abubakr.
My experience towards the number of days usually stipulated for every batch and stream can never be fully discussed. From the rushing hour of printing documents, buying the necessary materials - basic necessities. Getting prepared for your call up letter, the tension associated with it. The tension is always very high among the South-Westerners. To the point of traveling to the designated state. Some spend minutes, hours, days. This solely depends on your location.
I won’t lie, the day of travelling instilled anxiety in me. I 've always loved travelling, especially taking long journeys. The thought of what will the journey be like filled my mind, as that will be my first official traveling to somewhere far away. Apart from my usual Malete, Kwara State to Igboora, Oyo State. This encounter made me changed my mind on the view that Kwara is far. Ashey Kwara no far. And this exposed me to varieties of stuff. Travelling keeps my hope alive, makes me feel good. Sitting by the window side, enjoying the nature’s beauty.That’s one thing I’d still love to experience with the LOML as time goes.
Arrival at the CAMP; The D-Day was here. I could see heads locking against one another. Everybody was kinda tensed, stressed, dragging the luggages - in travelling bags, portable bags, ghana-must-go among several others. The point of reporting to the gender based hostel, getting sorted, even though you are tired, and heading back to the main hall for further registration. Guy! I can't just imagine it anymore. And how I had to pass through 4-5 registration sectors. After which I was generated a number, which better states my state code, and my platoon number.
Reporting to the platoon Officer is another core task. There, about 10documents will be asked to be submitted. After the rigorous moments, I was given my meal ticket, and all other necessary materials; the Khaki, Crested Vest, Cap, Belt, Boot, white sneaker with NYSC inscribed on it, socks. It was at this point I met Ubaidah, Maryam. Now, I can say I'm getting to the point of being called a CORPER. But, it seems the more I get involved, the harder it became.
The very next morning wasn't funny. It was cold, and usual. You know the feeling of waking up into a new environment, seeing new set of persons. I felt that. The strange wake-up at 3-4am for preparation, praying, and then to the parade ground for the morning meditation. The National Anthem would be recited, the National Pledge, and the NYSC anthem. A short speech from the CAMP Director. And announcements would be made, the schedule of the day activities would also be made known with the time.
The first time I was at the kitchen was kinda nice. I ate rice, and that didn’t give me the in-depth knowledge about how the situation will always be. The next meal was too sweet! (pun intended) - I was served okra soup, and well turned Èbà, plus better nnkan inú. My very first day (night), I set for Maami with my guy; Olalekan. He said; "how far now? Make we go chop". Na so we carry body, join. They listed their delicacies, and I opted for swallow and Èfó, while my guy went for swallow and Ogbono soup. I’d have gone for that too, but I never tasted it. That point, I had to make do with what I can take. I no want wàhálà..
I hoped the meal wll be one of the best whilst at it.. Already fantasizing on it. The aroma was nice. I took the first morsel, hoping it will turn out well. The Èfó was too salty, and the swallow was made some kind of ways that I couldn't help but left it. I wasted my money. Lol. And I really guess all this Northern States have this habit of bombarding their food with salt. Same thing happened in Kaduna while coming back. Iyò yii ni! The only food I enjoyed collecting from the Kitchen was Bread, boiled Egg and Tea. That one dey do. The tea and pap is just too good for my liking. Drip lord ni tea ati pap yen. Always dripping like ocean!
To the activities, I’d say it’s an hectic, and fun one. The parade, the sport part - (football and volleyball), drama, mimicking, cultural dance, Miss NYSC, Mr. Mancho, Carnival cultural dance, amongst others. The first week was occupied, from here to there. There’s actually no time for us to look out for ourselves. Everything started making sense the second week, gotten used to the usual 3AM wake-ups. The workload is getting lesser, and more enjoyable.
During the second week, some connection were being made. It's at this point I made some friends. Serbia - my fav. Tiktoker, Sheikh, and online news reporter. Maryam (my Hausa babe), my colleague in the activities, we dey gada run the CAMP. If you see her and Serbia, you see me. Such a loving and sweet soul. Calm. Kamaldeen - my undisputed political scientist, and cassanova. I was drawn to this guy by his knowledge. I had him having a conversation with a colleague on Politics and Governance. He never knew I was listening to the details. I eventually told him at the end of the whole camping stuff. Muhammad - my gee from the University of Ilorin, osiwin baller.
Ubaidah Bello Omolabake; I'd say I'm her first encounter in this camp. Since then, she's been a good friend. Lovable, and jovial. Big, bold, and beautiful. Idan mi. Haleemah of Kogi; a sweet, beautiful, young lady. My very own MISS NYSC. A reserved, friendly, and conservative personality. Nature of voice brought us together. She complained of my high-pitched voice while taking to a friend. Wasere. Maryam of Kwasu; many perceived this girl to be a proud type. In true sense, she's not. Her personality just look it - a sweet soul. And to my daughter, Nabeelah. Arewà Obìnrin to yááyì.
Habeebah - my good friend. I know her during the course of Kudimata. That’s the point we exchanged numbers, and we’ve been buddies. Friendship should never be judged based on the actual number of years you’ve known an individual, but by the person’s actions towards you, even within a little time.. The energy no dey lie! It’s always an effortless one to know. Little things matter to me, I won’t lie. The girl did some things, and that speaks volume to me. She might see it as ordinary thing. But to me, It means alot, and I forever cherish stuff. Beautiful, intelligent, kind, and calm. "Fatiu, have you prayed?!" I never ceased to hear that till our departure from the CAMP.
A shout out to you all - Maryam of ABU; An excellent young lady. Friendly, wonderful, and great. Sakiah of Kwasu. Ameedah, my gee. Maryam of Kwara. Bolakale, Idan mi. Joy. Jemilah. Zainab of KP. Lekan of Fuoye. Tife of Kwasu. Bombay. Abu. The list is just too long. Maybe I forget to mention your names during the course of this writing, it's not intentional. I hold you all so close to my heart. And the memories we created would forever remain green with me. Please, accept my sincere apologies. Mo nífé gbogbo yín.
Oh, I haven’t talked about the SAED (Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development). SAED is really an educative, inspiring, but boring session. Plus, the fact that intellects would be invited from various walks of field, life, thereby sharing their life success story - the fact that it’s always an encouraging one usually makes it a bit more livelier. I usually enjoy the story part, I love inspiring and interesting stories. If there’s one thing I wouldn’t want NYSC to stop, it’d be SAED! I commend Bro Joshua for his unwavering dedication and resilience towards success. You’ve done well. His story get levels. I’m sure almost all the Corp Members were moved by his story. You are a Man!
My SAED class, I chose Logistics and Delivery Services. That’s dumb? To you, I know. And how my group had the least participants never for once amazed me. It’s meant to be like that. The field 'Logistics and Delivery’ ncompasses alot. I’m telling you. It goes beyond just having capital, and setting into it. Yes, you mma make your sells, but there’d clearly be some limits.. You have to understand the concept of logistics and delivery.. The more reason I went for it. Some of you in the line of work do not know (1PL, 2PL, 3PL, and so on). A wa ti shey workings debe.
And the last week, fàáji kelele. Nothing really much. Just rounding up of activities. Sorry, I never mentioned my platoon. Yes, I belonged to Platoon 10. The best there was, the best there is, and the best there ever will be. Looking back and seeing the efforts and performance of my platoon usually makes my heart go gaga, and my day more brighter. Those guys too good! If I should say, we got position in every part of the competition, would you believe? To you, I know that could be some sort of impossible actions, but my platoon made it look easier, and possible. Wow! Please, a hearty cheers for us. 10 is golden! All thanks to my platoon Commander.
In football, I don't really believe in my platoon. But they showcased thier skills, talents, and everybody was put in a state of awe. Taking the overall best was the goal, but Kadar put us as first runner up. It's a very sad one. Especially, Muhammad Hausa; The guy na baller. Hin drift mad. Europe soon brother. Idreez; Agba baller too. He no dey carry last. Strength dey. Una burst brains.
The Man 'O' War drill was also a remarkable experience. It’s one thing I’ve always got in mind to participate. If I won’t be doing anything, I must do that. It’s a long-term cravings.
In conclusion, I’d like to direct a message to the NYSC Management by paying reference to the social night stuff ;
Dear NYSC Management; The compulsion of the social night is actually not needed. It should be an optional activity - I am suggesting that social nights during the Orientation Camp should be made optional for corps members. While social nights can be a great way to foster camaraderie and teamwork, not all corps members may feel comfortable participating in these events, especially those with religious or cultural beliefs that prohibit certain activities. Making social nights optional would allow corps members to choose how they want to spend their free time, promoting inclusivity and respect for individual differences. This is just my view, and I hope you put it into consideration. Thank you.
I guess this should be the summary of my Camp life. It’s fun, though. And to all the aspiring Corp Members, I wish you a happy one. Enjoy, and make it count. Thanks for your time, and attention.
© Engr. Fatiu O. Bello.🤍✨
