"Guy the call up letter is out o. You were posted to Benue." I froze for a bit.

"It's a lie " I retorted.

"Don't worry, I will send you the screenshot" he said amidst laughter.

()

Okay. Let me take you back a bit ....

My friend had always teased me of getting posted to somewhere far from my comfort zone. I lived in the Southern part of Nigeria. I wasn't a fan of the north or middle belt areas. I didn't like their foods and some of cultures were alien to me. So my guy had always said he will pray that I get those areas I claim not to like.

So when I got that call I didn't believe it. My friend was a jerk and I thought he was just bluffing.

Reality dawned on me when I opened my WhatsApp and I saw the screenshot. I froze. A wave of paranoia set in. I refreshed the page hoping that it would change, but it didn't. I sat and watched on my screen for some miracle to happen but it didn't. There and then I knew it was meant to be. There and then I accepted my fate

"Youths obey the clarion call
Let us lift our nation high
Under the sun or in the rain
With dedication and selflessness Nigeria is ours, Nigeria we serve."

These are the excerpts from the National Youth Service Corp programme anthem. The national youth service is a programme designed by the federal government of Nigeria.

The program was setup by the Government during the military regime to involve Nigerian graduates in nation building and the development of the country.

The programme is divided into 3 segments- Orientation Camp scheduled for 3 weeks. Place of primary assignment, Community Develop service band Passing out Parade.

I will taking you on my journey. The thrills, the hitches, the moments. Leeettts go!!!

Orientation Camp

2 days after I saw my posting letter, I set out for Benue state... I did some research about the Benue and the camp located in
a Community called Wannune. I tried to get familiar with the routes, weather, culture and traditions. It was a long journey. I left as early as 6am in the morning only to arrive the Camp by 10pm. I was met by soldiers at the gate. They teased me about going back home because I was a day late to Camp. We all laughed it off. After I settled in Camp the next morning I started my registrations.

The following day we were given a welcome speech by the officials. We also met with our Platoon officer who hinted us on what is to be . Parade commenced immediately.

There were a lot of events and activities. Seminars and skill acquisition programs were also anchored by successful professionals were aslo organized for Corp members.

Different competitions were also organized with winning Platoons going home with gifts and prizes . There were debates, sewing competitions, cooking competitions and football competitions as well. There was even a carnival where we get to showcase our different cultures and traditions.

Camping was fun and eventful for me. I Met new friends. Tried marching which I was not so good at. Represented and captained my platoon team in a football tournament ( scored 2 goals). Tried a lot of their indigenous foods, Massa was my favourite and I loved it. Camping was stressful but it was eventful and funnnn.

Place of Primary Assignment

After 21 days in Camp it was time to go to my PPA ( Place of Primary Assignment). The NYSC Place of Primary assignment is a place where you perform the duty of serving your father land. This comes 3 weeks after your stay in camp. This is compulsory for every Corp member. It is compulsory as you need a place to work and show commitment during your service year.

Turned out I was posted to Government Secondary School at the Nigerian Airforce Base Makurdi. I was the Business Studies teacher for the Junior Secondary. Initially I was overwhelmed with the prospect of teaching because I had always felt I didn't have the patience for it. But as time went on I grew to love my job. The kids were so lively and brilliant. I had so much satisfaction working with them. I still reminisce about the good times we spent together. Indeed those kids made my NYSC days a memorable one.

Community Development Service

My Community Development Service group was the Sports group. The CDS group is one of the four cardinal programmes of NYSC in which corps members contribute positively to the development of their host communities throughout their national service. My CDS group was Sports. We had our meetings once every week and on Fridays. Unlike other CDS groups we wore sports wears ( jerseys) to our meetings. I enjoyed my CDS group because sports( football) is my interest and I had fun get involved in it. We alose participated in the national NYSC DGs Cup. We played football. We lost out in the finals to a lone goal in the dying minutes. It was devastating as we lost out in booking a place in the Nationals. Overall it was a wonderful experience. Ar the end of my service year, my CDS also presented a certificate to me for my contributions to the group. I felt really proud and honoured to be appreciated.

At the end of the service year, we were presented with our NYSC discharge certificates. We had successfully served our country. . It wasn't all easy and rosy. There were hicthes, there were delays, there were inconceniences but we all pulled through.
Although there are issues that needs to be looked into by the government. Issues such as security, transportation and allowances, I would say my experience was a very memorable one. It was superb.

Although there are issues that needs to be looked into by the government. Issues such as security, transportation and allowances, I would say my experience was a very memorable one. It was superb

I am eager to know from my foreign friends. Do you have an equivalent of this programme in your countries? If yes is it as tasking as ours in Nigeria? I would really to hear and learn from you. Please drop a message in the comment box.

Greatful to this amazing community for this wonderful platform and Thank you all for having me ❤️