NYSC orientation in Nigeria

 

A bird on hand is much better than many on tree. At times, giving eyewitness account only reduces a story to nothing but understatement or exaggeration. Although, I’ve not lived too long on earth but in my quest to know “what it feels like to be free”, I’d failed, I’d suffered, I’d been ridiculed, I’m learning, I’m improving and I’m growing.

I’d realized that series of invented stories are poisons (except few). In fact, they poison my blood to induce effect. Last year, my dream came true. I envisioned it; it was real, now I’m delicious.

In 2013, I was mobilized for a 365 days industrious service to my nation which is known as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). It is sequel to all graduate before they are launched into the labour market. Initially, I was elated to be a second-class graduate from a reputable University in Nigeria however, the story changed. I was infuriated and bewildered to be mobilized to the northern part of the country which we’ve been indoctrinated to be proudly walking with insecurity. My eyes were filled with tears, but I had no alternative but to go face the impromptu challenge. Then I took off for an eight hours journey to Kebbi state which is known as “the land of equity”.

Although the adventure threw very cold water on me but I survived. I courageously survived like a camel in the desert. In Kebbi state, my deformed perceptions were reformed. Northerners were fanatics and other evil attribute which they’ve been attributed with. Then I remembered the adage which says “never judge a book by its cover”.

The first impression they say last longer. Genuine hospitality was my first impression from a citizen of that peaceful state. Then, I vomited all the erroneous impressions I had for them such as terrorist, extremist, to mention a few. I also realized that it was a concocted blasphemy against them.

Kebbi state is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria where both plants and animals are treated equal. Similarly, the citizens are peaceful, friendly, social, welcoming, to mention a few. The state is blessed with too many natural resources such as gold, tin, copper, to mention a few, and the predominant occupation of the citizens is my laurel; fish farming.
That indeed is a freedom I will never forget. I was taught how to lawfully generate wealth through fish farming which I’d never taught of in my life. In fact, my lecturers never taught me that throughout my four years in the University. After all the struggles I experienced I was able to find my way to freedom in a way that I never envisioned in my life.

Truly, “where there is a will, there is a way”. My mission to Kebbi was not by accident but by compulsion but I had a will. One of my plans in life is to be a change maker. To help the poor, the needy, the sick, to mention a few but that will is too arduous without plentiful wealth. As I type this, I’d help wanton number of people in life despite my youthful age.

Finally, thanks a lot to the Federal Government of Nigeria, because none of these would have happened if I had sidestepped the NYSC scheme or had not been open to learning about myself and another culture of people. It was only because I had a will; I sought freedom, then I could make my way in life; that I found freedom in life.

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