#MyCorperDiary DayOne

I woke up with a shout "what, i've missed the bus." I thought I woke up late. I was relieved to know the time was just 4:50am. I got myself prepared for the trip and just as I was about to leave the house, the rain started. So many thoughts crossed my mind. First, I thought I was going to miss the bus. Next, I was wondering if the rain was a sign for me not to travel. Finaly, I was relived knowing that everyone will be affected and I won't be left behind.

Eventually, I dared the rain, got wet but arrived the take off point just in time. In fact, I was kinda early. The bus took off an hour after I arrived there-8am.

Just before we took off, a priest came. He claimed to be the transport company's official Pastor and offered passionate prayers. Once He was done he asked we 'extend our firstfruit' as our colleagues had done a day before.

Next, I tried to start a conversation with my 'neighbour.' I sensed some hesitation and right to myself 'before the 12 hours lapses, the walls of defence Weeks have crumbled.'

The bus took off at 8am and the lot fell to me to make the 'resident' prayers. That was because someone heard me pass a religious comment.

I have met interesting people so far: a lady who says she's Muslim but attends Church and said the loudest amen during the prayers. I tried to probe deeper and realised there's no dividing line for her.

I met a fellow OOUite alread tired from shuffling between school and home because of call up letter. He didn't pay the controversial 4000 and had to pay for that with physical strength and emotional fatigue.

I met a handsome young man who intends to redeploy because of his startup based on the Lagos Island. I love his perspective and comments in the bus. He calm and contributes quite intelligently. He was the one who tipped me for 'opening prayers.' He also reminded me that NCCF National HQ is based in Plateau. His name is Imole. That's a great name!

There is a lady with a child in the bus. I suspect the child must have already had a military training. He didn't disturb us with cries. The young boy is really handsome and was passed round to almost everyone in the bus. I had my share of 'babystanding' too but not until our dinner stop over in Lokoja.

About 30 minutes into the journey, the bus drive past the route where I had spent over an hour in traffic ealier. I wish I had waited there for them to pick me up. By 9am, we were in Berger. There was the usual slow movement and suddenly there was a bang behind us. That sound cost us another hour on the same spot...

We were trying to buy some time by cutting a few hundred meters through a filling station.and just as we thought we saved a few minutes, a car hit us from behind. As usual both drivers came out to examine things. And then would war 3 began. The car driver began to raise his voice. He called or driver names and insulted him with every available means including his height. Our driver was calm but firm.

I observed two things: first, it its usually not about who is right or wrong. The one who can intimidate the other wins. Secondly, I learnt the cause of some traffic we experience. It's simply some aggrieved drivers trying to sort out issues on the highway!

Before we knew it, the dual carriage road had become a single lane. Imole and I used that opportunity to lighten our bladder. We didn't have to hurry much because our driver wasn't moved by intimidation and firmly sought a resolution. The car driver attempted to drive off at some point but our driver blocked him again.

Not long after, other buses from the same company as ours pulled over, about 10. Their drivers came to intervene. By now, the car driver had lost the intimidation game. He was outnumbered and his voice outvolumed (you understand sha). I couldn't imagine what would have happened if Road Safety Corps members didn't intervene. They made us leave the middle of the road to ease traffic and ensured no one escaped until the matter is resolved.

At the end of the day, the car driver, whose boss was there the whole time, had to pay for the broken pointer. Case closed. That cost us quality time. We arrived Iwo Road, Ibadan at 11:30am.

At Ibadan, we had our first, official and pre-mediated stop. We equipped ourself with bottles of water and drink, loafs of bread and others. Then we proceed and arrived Moro (Home of Akara) at 1:00pm. Not until then, before the loafs of bread became useful. 200 worth of Akara looked scary. People began to admit hunger pangs and devoured their meals. Those who had it in their bags got confidence to unleash it.

We arrived Akure at 2:20pm and stopped over to let out the aftermath of meals and drinks. The driver also refuelled. Oh, I revenger someone tormented me with the aroma of my best meal,moin moin. But I was helpless. I couldn't even look back so I don't accelerate the desire...

I hoped for the moment a were going to leave Ondo. I looked out several times to see, only to find out that were still in Ondo. Ever signboard I saw read Ondo. It almost seemed like the road spiralled the sunshine state. I enjoyed the mountain views and observed water trickles from the rock. Nigeria is beautiful.

We were entertained with several sounds. From Fuji to Comedy by Mr. Melody, Basketmouth, Gordons and almost all genres of music. I tried to add my own kind of songs to the playlist but the driver said it was too dull!

It was night already by the time we reached the confluence town. We didn't get a clear view of the scenery.

Just before the confluence, we branched to eat in Lokoja. On entering the restaurant, we discovered the prices were scary. We teased the owner of the restaurant to give us 'dozen price' but she didn't give it a thought. The desperate people went ahead, had a meal even though they complained of the taste and cost of 'ordinary' bottled water. The rest of us resorted to our snack pack.

The day is wrapping up, we are yet to arrive our destination. However, there's been no dull moment throughout, trust me. Every dull moment was maximized by either taking a nap or looking out of the window.

I love Nigeria and look forward to another awesome day.

- NewBreedNigerian, reporting from Abuja enroute Plateau