MY NYSC SOJOURN… I CAME! I SAW! I CONQUERED!

Sometimes I sit back and marvel at the wonder of our existence. Have you ever asked yourself how you transformed from that baby to the grown adult you are? Did our parents sit timelessly watching us transform into what we are? We grew without notice, our faces left its meekness and transformed with pictures of us changing at each stages. Take a look at the pictures of you at the various stages, you can find resemblance but transformation is constant.

It is yet another transformation; one year of selfless service to the nation has come and gone like a flash in the pan. I feel so fulfilled!

For me my degree was a walkover, there was a smooth transition from one level to the other, I concluded my degree at the University of Benin in three years and five months, without strikes and delays; but I had to pause a phase of my life for another year before embarking on this cause for my nation. We all had our reservations about the scheme most especially when we had to wait for backlogs of prospective corps members to be called-up before it gets to your turn. I missed the first batch after graduation and it was painful to put a lot on hold in the name of National service (that was how most of us felt) Finally it was my turn to play my role in National Service. What would I have been doing in 2008 if was not serving Nigeria? I wondered, “Where would my sojourn be? Even though I had an open mind as to where my posting would be, anxiety took a better part of me as I was handed my call-up letter, if my sister got posted to Ekiti state perhaps mine would be  Gombe, Zamfara, sokoto or probably Borno, certainly not! I was destined to make my impact in the CENTER OFEXCELLENCE. Lagos here I come.

My sojourn had begun….

For the batch B 2008 orientation course, some corps members had to do their camping at Osun, Ekiti, and Edo state, the rumour had the time was that the first set of people to get to Lagos camp will have their orientation at the Iyana-Ipaja camp while the rest will have to find their way to the camps in other states, so I ran to camp a night before registration commenced, thanks to the NYSC Lagos camp officials, for the hospitality even though myself and s few others came before the actual date, we had a place to sleep. Registration  was easier than expected, I was number five to be registered, this earned me my unique code number LA/08B/0005, it was obvious I was an early riser at every introduction.

I got adjusted in no time, like I never left home; every moment of my camp experience count, my selection into the Orientation Broadcasting Service (OBS) crew made my camp experience full of activities, as I had to be everywhere. Camp was fun-filled, I had so much love shown me, the camp market was fun, and OBS did not help matters as I had too many people to hangout with. There was never a dull moment! Thank God I had the energy for the various activities, I tell you Camp passed through me and I passed through camp… It is an experience that will linger on.

Posting… I naturally believe, I will get the best of what life offers, I was confident it won’t be less than expectation. I got posted to Ibafon Oil Ltd, I took my posting letter with a chagrin, my good friend Kanayo Madu suggested “this must be a filling station” I felt really bad, I wondered how on earth will I serve in a filling station? Perhaps they are into palm oil or groundnut oil in the name of Oil Company. Fortunately for me I met a corporate environment not a filling station as speculated, I got settled. In no time. Service had begun…

For me community development Service is the most integral part of the scheme, most corps member serving outside Lagos think Lagos corps members do not serve, am fulfilled serving in Lagos. I got my appointment letter as a member of the NYSC Lagos editorial board, this served as my CD, I did not have the slightest idea that it was an all day affair. The Editorial board has indeed prepared me for the task ahead, even though a good number of us did not have a degree in mass communication, the scheme brought out the best in us, the board was a display of intellect, talents and creativity as we produced the Ekokopa monthly newsletters and the service year magazine, It was a worthwhile experience.

Aside my routine CD activities at the Board, was the task of affecting my community at the local Government level. My personal CD project was another uphill task; I embarked on a Project on E-learning for secondary schools in Apapa local Government Area. I carried out a research to find out how many of the schools have computer studies, from my findings, I discovered that 95 % of the student have little or no knowledge of computer usage, hence, I saw a need for Corps members to assist in educating pupils on computer usage through my E-learning project. I must say that getting corporate bodies in this part of the country to be socially responsible was very difficult; companies had beautiful excuses to give “there is global melt down”. I persisted; PATIENCE became my middle name for the rest of the service year. I am most grateful to Union Bank and Stanbic IBTC my sponsors, they came to my rescue, when hope was lost, am grateful to Mrs Angela Alily and Mr. Francis Barde of Union corporate affairs for their support. I also commend  and thank Mrs Morin Adeyemi, Head corporate affairs Stanbic IBTC for are overwhelming support and inspiration, she had no excuses to give even when the bank  had committed so much on a similar project, she stood by me, Thank you Stanbic IBTC for making my project a reality; Corp members in Apapa can now train students on computer usage; the project is also be extended to the state secretariat for an E-learning centre to be managed by the Infotech group of the NYSC as I leave the scheme.  I had disappointment from different organisations, but I was not deterred, I am fulfilled that a project I started with my undergraduate project work, got implemented during my service year. This is the best thing that happened to me during the service year!

The NYSC Lagos administration has been an inspiration to me and so many Corps members; I say a big thank you on behalf of my colleagues for the care and support shown to us. Am marvelled at the diligence, openness, care and proactiveness of our state coordinator, Sir Anthony Ani, he is one person have learnt alot from, for those of us destined to man key leadership positions, my confession is that we have stolen alot from is wealth of experience, please forgive us and accept our profound appreciation for your impact.

The NYSC Lagos Secretariat is another home for me, some even think I had my PPA there, I could not have been far from the secretariat because it is a school of some sort.; most staff are ever ready to attend to the need of corps members, in Lagos it is corps welfare at its peak. I thank Mallam Suleman (Mr. MDG) for mentoring me during my CDS project; he was always there to give a touch to our activities at the board when we approach him.

To my dear editorial board members, you guys are the best! It is a family the NYSC has added to my extended family; I love you all and will miss CD meetings, too bad I won’t ask for an extension my transfiguration is due.

Am fulfilled being a Corps member, the service year is over but for me service is not over, change has come! Come along with me as we unveil the future with a new NIGERIA… The NYSC has armed us with skills, competence and zeal to be patriotic and build the NIGERIA of our dream. Am excited about the future, better days are ahead, “YES WE CAN”, if need be pay the supreme prize, the Nigeria of our dram must prevail!

I came, I saw! I conquered! To God be the glory!

 

BE AN AGENT OF CHANGE!

Wee o! Waa o! I warmly welcome you to Lagos! E ka a bo!  Welcome to the land of ‘‘opportunities and possibilities’’. For many this is a dream come true as most prospective corp members aspire to serve in Lagos. The joy of seeing Lagos on your call-up letter could be compared to the joy expressed when you win a visa-lottery to live in the USA (I sometime wonder why the excitement to live in another land where you crave to be accepted), let us not leave the issue on ground. I don’t know how you got in here; at this point it is not relevant, the fact remains that Lagos corp members are not only special but unique. So welcome to the CENTER  OF EXCELLENCE.  I tell you the story in this part of the country is not the usual experience; it is intriguing and mind shaping. As you have successfully graduated from your various institutions of learning, with joy I say welcome to the UNIVERSITY  OF LIFE! Eko e re!

Welcome to the NYSC Lagos orientation camp, your journey to the world of realities begins here; after the fantasies around the university community, welcome to the real world!

You have been called to serve our fatherland and in obedience you are here to embark on this one year journey for our nation. At this point I implore you to ask yourself what this call means to you. Am sure the service year means different thing to us. It calls for a reflection of what the NYSC scheme stands for!

 

Fresh in our mind is the much celebrated victory of Barrack Obama as the first elected black president in the U.S, am not here to further celebrate the victory that has been lauded worldwide but rather see this as a food for thought for us as Corp members.

I was recently drawn to reflect on the significance of this success story on our nation when I read through a blog posted by renowned broadcaster, journalist and columnist, Funmi Iyanda on Facebook, she calls it beyond the glares, lesson from Obama and I decided to share it with my fellow corp members. It is time we wore our thinking cap! It is normal for us to celebrate Uncle Barrack, but the issue is in our failure to understand and do those little things that bring about such great moments in history.  We can join the world in admiring the world’s most luxurious and innovative product but fail to produce one of our own at any level of sophistication we will enthuse and buy into ‘’Obamamania’’ but we will not “do” Obama . We watch the brightness from such a beautiful spectre and like a fly become transfixed and immobile in the light, at best only flapping our enfeebled wings in admiration. Forever the fan, never the player!

 

Therefore the question for us is how can we make a similar story ours? Like Americans we are sick and tired of the situation of things, we too have serious economic challenges and even more than the Americans and many countries of the world, we have real issues that bother on education, developments, health, leadership, environment, unemployment and sundry. How do we get a similar moment? Funmi suggests ‘’ I think me must go back to Rosa. One commentator beautifully put it thus; Rosa Park sat so Martin Luther can march, Martin marched so Obama can run and Obama ran so our children can fly. For me I think our Rosa Park can start at the NYSC Orientation camp, as you embark on this cause for our nation, I challenge you to take a lesson from obama’s journey and make a similar story ours. So even as I make a clarion call to us all, am aware that the laws of the universe are set and one of those laws is that all great things begin with a little thing which when occurring has no true inkling of the way in which its littleness will be transformed into greatness far beyond its widest imagination. It can start here! Far and near we come to serve to build our fatherland, we can form bonds to build a nation we desire, there is  a need for both collective and individual reflection on the real beauty of the Obama story, the audacity of hope that the NIGERIA we desire can prevail and the willingness to do all that is necessary to achieve this in the most inclusive, intelligent, diligent and honourable way.

That sober individual reminder and rededication is what I urge you to do as you embark on this journey; sticking to the truth, purging of the self of greed as we all know most of the ills in our society is borne out of greed; Eschew bitterness as it only tears us apart, bringing conflicts that affects us as a people and nation; Chasing out the fear that undermine our potential to achieve and reach great heights…  We can all get involved in our own little ways firmly believing that it will gather its own momentum as all things must! Are we not tired of being less? Are we not tired of our queer image before the world? We are tomorrow’s people, the new generation that can effect that change. Here is an opportunity to play a role and effect this change in Nigeria. Don’t be laid back! The NYSC is sure an avenue to effect this change, so I implore you to join this cause and be part of a team to actualizing the NIGERIA we truly deserve. Participate actively in the various activities for the orientation course, beyond the orientation get involved in the various community development services by affecting the communities around you in your own little way, at your work place make a difference, if we all genuinely work in actualizing and living the Nigerian dream, we will definitely get to the promise Land! Reflect! Think and act!

Be an agent of change! Once again welcome to Lagos!

NYSC: THE CAMP AT A GLANCE!

 

This is Lagos! Welcome to the NYSC Lagos Orientation Camp! Your matriculation into the UNIVERSITY  OF LIFE begins at the Iyana-ipaja ‘’Campus’’ where you will be trained and armed with experiences to help you face the challenges of the real world. I tell you, every experience counts! The three weeks orientation will expose you to all forms of training and fun-filled experiences (managerial, administrative, domestic, name it).I am going to take you on the journey of your expected camp experiences, to get you well adjusted and appreciate the beauty of the NYSC scheme. It is imperative that we spell out the essence and expectations of the training, so that you make yourself available for the various activities and conduct yourself to make it a worthwhile experience. Please make the orientation programme pass through you, this will help you face the world with the right dose of confidence!

Obedience is the first law; the camp is highly regimented giving you no choice but to comply with the various commands coming from the camp authorities. Camp rules are straight and precise, remember you are in for paramilitary training; the military is synonymous with discipline and obedience to those in authority. It not easy to adopt for those who have a weird life style, just have in mind that the environment is meant to bring out the best in you. Obey the sound of the biggle and join the assembly without delay. Be alert! When the biggle is blown at 6 am or 6pm always stand still in respect of the National flag when it is raised at sunrise and when it is lowered in the evening.

Do not live the camp without an exeat from the authority, as you stand the chance of being de-camped! Remember you are being watched. Be warned!

Be respectful and obedient to the camp officials, they are your guardian for the rest three weeks, nobody is least, mind you the cook in the kitchen may be your field/zonal inspector, try not to look down on anyone, so you do not jeopardize your chances of having a good working relationship within the NYSC family. Remember you are being watched! I hope am not scaring you, with the highly discipline camp environment, you can only encounter difficulties if you refuse to be realistic as all measures in place are for the smooth running of the orientation programme.The NYSC LAGOS administration is a transparent and open one, you are encouraged to make suggestions and contributions that will help make the orientation programme worthwhile. Please use the suggestion box to make your contribution, the state co-ordinator reads out the content of the suggestion box every morning and ensures that they are addressed.

Early morning drills and physical training; reminds you of early morning assembly in primary school but this one is as early as 4.30am, the biggle is blown at 4.30 am and you are expected to be on the Parade ground, it is not optional, it is a command! Aside helping you keep fit, they are meant to inculcate discipline in you. It will also help prepare you for the world of work, especially in a busy city like Lagos where you have to wake up early to beat traffic. The journey begins here!

The ‘’Man O war’’ drill also helps you handle management issues; they take you through the turbulence you face before getting to greater heights. This will help you defile the odds; breaking boundaries and barriers to achieve. I tell you, it is really worth the while!

The luxury hostel accommodation; Houses nothing less than 25 occupants in a room, with people from different socio-economic background. The lesson here especially those of you who claim to be born with a silver spoon is to learn how to deal with personalities, tolerate and co-exist with minimal differences as you are going to face the bigger world in your work places. This will help you adapt and adjust with less stress. With this you know you have seen the good, bad and the ugly, nothing is new, life is not always a bed of roses. Please keep your belonging (money, phone, jewelry, under wears, credentials etc) well, as some persons do not steal but their presence may help your belongings grow wings and leave the camp. Do not be careless!

Try not to constitute a nuisance in the hostel; No smoking! The hostel is not an extension of religious activities. Praying aloud in the rooms is not allowed. Avoid being a burden on others as you will be sharing amenities with a number of people, make the toilet and bathrooms tidy for others to use, ensure you participate in the general cleanliness of the environment. Retire to your room at 10 pm, when it is light out, do not be found wanting!

Kitting; Ensure you are properly kitted for the different activities in camp. During the orientation programme, you are restricted to the camp dress code, your plain vest, P.E shorts and canvas given to you after registration will be used for early morning drill and also as casuals after the day’s activities, mufti is not allowed, however, ladies can wear white trouser if the shorts provided is not convenient for them. Wear your white vest or NYSC crested vest with your jungle boot during parade and formal functions such as lectures and talks during the orientation period. Your NYSC crested vest is a ceremonial vest ,worn on your swearing in and important ceremonies, it is your “NYSC Christmas clothe”, so it should not be worn always, as it is issued only once during your service year. You must be fully kitted for every visit to your local government, state secretariat and formal functions.  Treat your uniform with respect, appear neat at all times! Some corp member are ashamed of wearing this noble uniform, It is not worn by just anybody, it is a mark that you are an achiever that is why you can be called up to serve.

 

Feeding; most of you must have been discouraged from eating camp food, I must say that at the Lagos camp, Corp welfare is given great priority, even though N300 has been allocated per corp member per day, I don’t know how the camp authority go about managing the resources at their disposal, but the truth is that feeding is near satisfaction, it does not make you miss home food., as food is prepared by both corp members and camp officials. So it is not wise spending so much money on food from the camp market as they are not better than what is served in the camp. If you are put off by the queue, I advice you get there early or you wait until there is less crowd, there is usually enough for you to eat.

 

Camp Market; popularly known as “Mammy Market”, is an atmosphere for you to socialize and unwind after the day’s activities. The camp is a mixed breed of people from different socio-cultural, socio-economic and academic background, from Universities and institutions both within and outside the country. It is an avenue to discuss their experiences; from such interactions people form clicks and networks for business partnership, meet their life partners and long standing friends. Unloose yourself and interact as being too reserved in an atmosphere like this does not pay.

Corp members should also endeavor to be prudent when spending at the Mammy market, the sellers at the market will rip you off by selling goods at exorbitant prices, the allowance you are paid in camp is for your expenses immediately after camp, so be wise! some guys turn themselves to Santa Claus engaging in frivolous spending to win the heart of a female corp member, they squander both their transport/ bicycles allowance before the end of the camp, it only earns you the  bobo-nice title as it will shock you to see your supposed sweet heart ride home in a posh car, while you drag your ‘’Ghana must go’’ pennyless at the end of the camp. Please spend wisely! Avoid being someone’s bank account.

Please conduct yourself at the camp market, do not get drunk, do things moderately; for the girls carry yourself well when associating with male corp members, else you will earn yourself such names as “Animashwun”, ‘’Miss Generous’’, comport yourself , who knows, you may meet your life partner here. Friendship does not end in camp, it can wait! Get involved but don’t over do it!

Opening of Bank account; Various banks and financial institutions will come to market their products to you. Some corp members patronize all the banks present, they leave the camp with nothing less than five ATM cards. What for? I advice you to maintain your existing accounts for your transactions within this period. You will be asked to open a new account for your NYSC allowance at the point of registering at your local Government, if need be.

 

Lectures; for me the orientation lectures were revealing, I implore you to attend all lectures and talks as they are not the usual things you hear everyday. They educate and motivate you on life’s expectations, tell you the bitter truths; seasoned professionals and entrepreneurs are invited from various sectors of the economy to enlighten and arm you with tools as you journey through life. Lectures include; National Directorate of  Employment) NDE Lecture, NDLEA, CBN lecture, Career in the military, FRSC, Motivational talks and other training on enterprise development.

 

Inter-platoon Competition; There are various activities lined up to make the orientation programme fun filled. Be part of the inter-platoon games such as Foot ball, volley ball, chess games, scramble, tug of war… other social activities include the Miss NYSC and Mr. Macho beauty pageant, Talent hunt, drama, miming and other cultural activities.

Be outstanding! Corp members are often recognized for their dedication and selfless contribution during the service year.

 

POSTING; The major anxiety faced on camp is the issue of posting to places of primary assignment; from the very first week, posting will become an anthem sung everywhere. Please do not loose your sleep over it, as you will definitely get posted, you need not lobby to be posted. Hope for the best work environment, it is not about the name, it is better you go to place where you will be accepted instead of imposing yourself on a firm where you are not needed, and then you won’t like the work environment. Finally the NYSC official with whom you played and had so much fun while on camp assume different personalities, so settle fast!

Once again welcome to Lagos! I wish you a fulfilling service year.