my NYSC story is not funny at all, because I am still searching for a PPA even now, even though I tried to make a joke of many things in the story. It may seem boring to many people, but I have to be detailed in the story. Here we go:
I graduated from University of Calabar in December, 2015 but I had to wait for a very long time before I could be mobilized for NYSC. In fact, I was devastated when some of my mates from other departments left for NYSC immediately after their final exams and also in November last year. However, in April, this year , I couldn't make the Stream 1; despite registering on the first day (20th) and overcoming many obstacles to pay for my call up letter in the bank.
It was just as if my own case was different; as I was staying at home and people were looking at me side eyes and murmuring that it's either I had problems in school or that I was not even a student let alone a graduate, lol! (You know that kind village thing.) Anyway, during the registration, I was given the option of four states to choose from. I wanted Lagos because of the rumored opportunities there. However, I was told that Lagos was filled up.
I had to settle for Akwa Ibom, Kano, Delta and Kaduna States. My interest in Kaduna State was actually because of a Corps member friend from Kaduna State, who served in my local government and wanted me to come and experience life in the northern part of the country.
However, just like many corps members in 2017 Batch A Stream 2, I spent many weeks waiting for my call up letter; as I was continually informed by my Dashboard that I would be told when to print my call up letter.. because I was not in Stream 1. At a point, I gave up and decided to live every day as I see it.I even wrote a novel, to add to my list of literary works awaiting for publication whenever I get the wherewithal. Nevertheless, the call up letter was released when I was no longer expecting it.
To my surprise, I was posted to Abuja.
Abuja!
Na who I sabi for Abuja?
I have never been more confused in my life as I was when I printed my call up letter, because I have never been to Abuja, neither do I have relatives there. However,I was equally elated because of the rumored opportunities there. I started making preparations in earnest. Printing of call-up letter was on Friday, while we were expected to be in camp on Wednesday, 26th July, 2017. I left my hometown for Abuja on Tuesday 25th July and arrived NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Kubwa by 5pm that same day. I was checked in by the security personnel at the gate and was confined for three weeks.
Camp was fun in a way. I met many interesting characters, especially a lady called Jacqueline and known for unconsciously asking: "Are you kidding me right now?" whenever the situation arose either in a conversation or during early morning meditations.
The State Coordinator of NYSC was nicknamed "Mr Supepe" for always singing "I am a Supepe..." whenever he made his entrance during SAED lectures. Even some of the soldiers were fun to be with. One was fond of saying: "There is no peace for the wicked," "Eleden na Ereden," "There is no 'please' in my dictionary," etc. Another soldier was nicknamed "Mamalawo and Babalawo" for referring to Corps members as such during parade.
