Do you know that 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. In the past, I’ve heard too many stories from my friends about their tour to various places where they could be themselves however it only poisons my blood to induce effect. Happily for me, I’d grabbed a bird. Here is it.
In 2013, I was mobilized to another part of my country by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Though, it was a 365 days compulsory national assignment (NYSC) which a focus on youths. That gave me an opportunity to travel from Lagos state through Kwara and Niger state respectively. Initially, the adventure instilled fear in me. My eyes were filled with tears and the tears were full of fear but thankfully, I found freedom in Kebbi state.
I know the world has other aims for me because “where there is a will, there is a way”. With that boldly printed in my mind, I was inspired to travel. I turned a new leaf. Then I travel.
The first discovery that attracted my attention, on the way was the gradual change of the geographical factors such as weather as I travel along. I saw drastic change, as the forest started fading, dropping all to savanna. Looking up at the sky, the protective bluish and cloudy weather of the south had somehow faded to an aggressive plain and white blanket, giving room for sun to bite hard on the skin. It took eight hours before I finally arrived at my destination (Kebbi state).
Yauri is a town in Kebbi state which is situated on a fairly high altitude. The major occupation of the citizenry is Agriculture especially in my dreamed profession; fish-farming. Whoa! Then, I said behind the scene that “by God’s grace, I will explore in this peaceful land”. The citizenry of Yauri are very humble, social, kind and accommodating. In addition, the town is blessed with too many natural resources such as gold, tin; copper, to mention a few.
The subsequent day, I was taken to a farm where I observed there was no need to make heaps before the plantation of arable crops. Yams were easily harvested from the soil, being that it was sandy. While on the farm, I was amazed. I saw a young boy of about five year’s old leading flocks of sheep, goats and cattle. That was very strange to me!
Later in the afternoon; on that same day, I was taken to a very big fish pond where I was taught the fundamentals in fish-farming business. Do you know that for a very long period ago, I’d suffered to learn fish-farming. By then, nobody was willing to assist but majority of the professionals I came about always seek to amass wealth through that “touch and go business”. I was very curious to learn and due to my curiosity, I successfully acquire the required skills from my friendly Yaurians within 30 days. Do you know that I was given full accommodation for one year even still I was taught what many University Professeurs of Fisheries lacks in practical knowledge.
Shortly afterward, I came to that point in my life where I had to make decisions for myself. It was those decisions that tempted me to set up my own fish farm. As I type this essay, grins of joy smiles on my face. Too much that is devoid of gin. I thank God for I’m freelance. I’m a fish farmer. I’m a business tycoon. What could have been of me if I had sidestepped the NYSC scheme? Or had not been open to learning about myself and another culture of people? Truly, life is a journey, not a destination. But that does not mean that life should be an aimless journey.
Through my journey in life and the journey of my life, I’d met too many challenges but I didn’t throw in the towel. Due to my sacrifice, I found my freedom. I’m very happy. In fact, if not that I’m free; I will definitely not write in this essay rather, I’ll be struggling round the clock in order to “make ends meet”. Honestly speaking, rural lives should be the priority for urgent development, where many human resources are largely unutilized and lamentably wasting away.
Indeed, “where there is a will, there is a way”. My will is to be freelance in life. Thank God that I found it in Yauri. In fact, as I type this, I’m very happy.
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Thanks for posting nice views.