MY NYSC DIARY

Have you ever anticipated to be a graduate and go for your youth service just like other graduates? These same experience was applicable to me as well.

I remember the last day i finished writing my last paper as an undergraduate. I was super excited because the journey of 5years came to an end. Just after the exam, I had to start processing my final year clearance, it was so stressful, I could remember countless number of days i had to queue in the sun just to submit some files. It was really a stressful one for me. Just after the completion of my final year clearance.

I had to travel back home while waiting for my call up letter.

I know many people who are not Nigerians will wonder what is NYSC. NYSC simply means National youth Service corps. It was established in 1973 with the aim of establishing oneness and selfless service to the community.

Back to my story, I was so anxious, because i couldn't wait to be at the Orientation camp, I already bought my kits which include white vest, trousers,socks and lots more.

After few weeks of staying at home, I received a call from my friend on a Friday morning that NYSC call up letter is out and i should check my dashboard to see where i was posted. I wish you could see how my heart was pounding so hard, my heartbeat was beating so fast, I was so anxious because i don't want to go to the Northern part of Nigeria.

This is because i came from western part of Nigeria. The Northern part of Nigeria is known for kidnapping, terrorists and the likes. To make matter worst, I don't understand Hausa language which is one of the major language of the Northerners.This made it more difficult for me.

Lol😂, Come and see how i was praying so hard. Lord pls, I don't want to go to the North. This was my prayer while downloading my call up letter. As soon as I finished downloading i check the call up letter.

Guess what?

Checking the letter, I saw Kaduna state, a Northern state in Nigeria, Kai😳, what is this? I had to re-check to confirm if i was seeing the right thing, it was still the same. And i was to resume to the Orientation camp on Tuesday. I was so sad. God, why me? How do you expect me to cope in this kind of place for a year. This was my question to God.

After printing out the letter, I inform my parents that i was posted to a Northern state, Kaduna to be precise. My mum screamed and was against it. She said i will have to redeploy. She was so emotional.

My Dad response was this:
Adedoyin, I know there is a reason why God posted you to that place, I too am not happy that you are posted to a Northern state. But i had no choice, because any time i pray about your NYSC posting, i do tell God that he should take you to a place that is best for you. Since God has decided to take you to Kaduna. Then i believe he will surely take care of you over there.

I was down and i couldn't sleep, alot of bad thought was flowing through my mind.

On Monday morning, i went to the park to book ahead for a vehicle going to Kaduna from Osogbo, i paid $12 for the transport fee.

On Tuesday morning, i stepped out so early around 5:40am to the car park. It was an emotional one for me and my family. They all followed me to the car park and at 6:30am the car was full and the journey started.

All the passengers in the car were all prospective corpers just like me, these make the journey more fun. Despite all this, My mind was busy thinking alot of things like how will the state look like, will I be able to cope with the weather over there and more.

On my way to Kaduna state

We pass through alot of states while going to Kaduna. Some of the states includes Ekiti state, Kogi state, Niger state and Abuja. The journey was a bit stressful. Although we stop over at lokoja to eat and rest for awhile before continuing our journey. The journey took us over 12 hours.

At 7pm, we arrive the black gold Orientation camp in Kaduna. On getting to the gate, the security men searched all our bags before they allow us to enter the Orientation camp.

As soon as we enter the camp we were directed to the registration stand where all our documents were being verified, After the verification of results, we are given NYSC kits and uniform and were allocated to various hostels. I was precisely allocated to loyalty hostel. The hostel was big and spacious.

The next day at exactly 5.00am, The bugle was blown, it was time for morning meditation. I was not use to the system, I struggled to get up from bed and dress up for the morning meditation. At the morning meditation we sang the NYSC anthem and other important information were being deseminated during the morning meditation.

During morning meditation

After the morning meditation, we are all informed to go back to our hostels and asked to dress up for the daily activities.

I remember countless of times i do hide in my bed space so that i won't go for morning meditation.lol😂

Alot of activities took place in the camp which include Man o war drill.

Man o'war drill

Also entrepreneur activities was included also known as SAED which means Skill Aquistion and Entrepreneurship Department. It is an entrepreneur program which was design for corpers to learn various skills. There are lot of group which include the makeup group, fashion design group, Barbing group and lots more.

At the SAED

I joined the baking and confectionary group because I love baking. I really learnt alot, we are thought how to make cupcakes and various snacks.

Indomie Dancing Competition

In the evening, we always have social night, it is loaded with lots of fun like dance competition, songs, drama, cooking and beauty pageant.

My friends
I really enjoyed myself at the Orientation camp, I meet alot of friends from different tribes and it was really fun. The only boring activities in the camp is during the seminar, Lol😂.... That's my own sleeping time. I know many people will testify to how boring it is.

NYSC Camp Carnival

Also we had Camp Carnival almost few days to the end of the 21 days Orientation camp.

To be candid i really enjoyed my stay at the camp.
After the camp, I was posted to my primary place of assignment, where i served for a year.

Below are some of the places and i visited in Kaduna state;

Kaduna international Airport

ABS Stadium, Kaduna

Truly, You won't recognize how awesome a place or thing is untill you make a move.

Thanks for reading......