Community Development Services

One of the most anticipated weekly events was CDS meetings. It’s a platform where you get to meet some Corp members you’d probably not have a chance to see outside the meetings. So, we earnestly look forward to it. It is not that we always have it smooth and nice. We end up in a lot of arguments and see the other side of people. But in a nutshell, the pros outweigh the cons.

Our meetings were mostly formal and there were a lot of protocols and formalities. Moving and seconding of motions were the order of the day. It is interesting to note that that I did not move any motion all though my stay neither did I second any motion. I just couldn’t understand the logic behind it.

A couple of friends participated in personal Community Development Projects. Both of them organized a skill acquisition and training for the youths and indigenes of the community. Rachel’s CDS was based on shoe making, bag making, bead making and related stuffs. Mariam’s project was on catering-snacks, cakes and drinks. Rachel added a signpost pointing to the Muo-Youm’s (the King of the Youm People) palace to hers. Such days felt like Christmas.

It felt great to be of benefit to the community. Some of the projects we carried out as a group are:

·         Renovation of the garage

·         Health talk and enlightenment on hepatitis

·         Free HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis test

·         Academic Seminar and Secondary schools’ quiz competition

·         Personal and Female Hygiene sensitization

·         Safety and caution sensitization for secondary schools

It was fulfilling giving back to the host community. Some who have been living in ignorance were enlightened about their health and got a free test to know the situation of things and what next. Another great feat was the academic orientation. Over here, people attend schools with very scary reasons or no reasons at all. It was a good opportunity to plant motivation in their hearts. I look forward to a healthier and a more productive community.

A New Name

It is amazing how inaccurate the perspective we have of the northern culture. I used to think there is just one tribe. But even here on the Plateau alone there are over 17 different tribes each with its own language. Then they adopted Hausa as the ‘lingua franca.’ Most people who speak in Hausa still have their own native languages.

Where I served (past tense already?) we have the Youm people. The language is also called Youm. The neighbouring Local Government were Tarok. They had same appellations for God- Nan. You’d hear names such as Nanman, Nanpel, Kwaknan and so on. It was hard but fun getting to pronounce those names. You’d have to call it three times before your tongue gets used to it and worse of all you might not remember on your next encounter. It took an average of three encounters for some names to click.

In my first Class (I taught computer), I decided to translate my name into the Youm Language. It ended up like this: Nandom (meaning God loves). Interestingly, it means the same thing in Tarok and then Mougavl. By the next class, my students started calling me Nandom. Overheard certain members of staff looking for the new Corper who hails from here and was mistakenly posted back home. In 3 months, the whole school knew. So I am now so fond of the name that I’m tempted to include it in one of my certificates. So if you call me Nandom, I’d most certainly answer you.

I’m not just coming back with potatoes and NYSC certificate. I am also coming with a new name-Nandom.

My Food Escapades

I was hoping for serious adventure when I first arrived. I wanted to visit every renounced spot on the Plateau. However, I have been to only less than ten percent. Notwithstanding, if I can’t be to different places, at least I would have a taste of different dishes. On my list of experiments are

• Kwakel or Bibal: Made from giant beans, ground beniseed and palm oil. It tastes as though the palm oil was just poured in the half done beans and mixed together. Irrespective f how it tastes it appears to be a well celebrated food here. It is ceremonial. The one occasion had tasted it was at my students’ graduation service. Did I just say taste? I really ate. I begged my fellow Corp Members to help me. I inspired them to have adventure with a brand new and of cause strange diet but all to no avail. I was left to finish what I brought home. I might not demand it another time and when next I’m offered, I’ll just take a little quantity but I’m glad I had a little breakaway from the regular menus I’m used to.

• Achan (Hungry Rice): This is a very interesting one. I also had this at a special event. I learnt it cost twice as much as the imported rice and about seven times that of the local rice. It is most definitely a luxury diet. I learnt it is high in protein and highly sought after diet for diabetes patients. Interestingly, an indigene said the prices rose almost all of a sudden when it became very popular. She said it used to be really cheap and.

• Kunu: I see this all of the time back in Ibadan however I have never had a taste. However, it seems what they have here is slightly different. It isn’t as thick. My first encounter was in the NCCF Family House in a neighboring Local Government. It took me two hours to finish a cup of Kunu. I vowed never to take it again. But just a few days after, my neighbour (fondly called Grandma) made another one. I was reluctant and eventually convicted by a colleague who had a similar experience as mine. He vowed never to taste it again but he said Gradma’s own is way better than any other he has ever tasted. To cut the long story short, I can take a whole bottle now.

• Kuskus: This is unlike the kuskus you might be familiar with. It is made from the maize residue after squeezing out the part meant for pap. It is then poured in a sauce of many wonderful things-pepper, tomatoes, crayfish and many more. I didn’t have too much, just about a table spoon full. However, my courage to dare a strange diet should be worth including it my many many escapades.

There are still a whole lot I have heard about and would love to taste. Goite (Maize porridge) and Karkashi (a soup I fell in love with only by hearing its name).

I might not have another opportunity at these meals again, but the adventure was well worth it.

The Thoughts of Staying Back

Its three weeks to go. The almighty NYSC is coming to an end. Just like the first three week in camp, the last three weeks holds even more anticipation. This is more than just a year of service ahead. It is more than just a three weeks orientation for service year. It is basically an initiation ceremony into real life.

Many questions remain unanswered even one year after. Where are all of the dreams and hopes for the service year? All the resolutions and proposals, did they all become a reality. Mixed feelings here and there. And the golden question stares us all in the face: What Next?

Before us all are at least two options: staying back to continue with the life you started about a year ago or to return to where you have been before service year. This appears not to be a difficult decision for many who have built a good profile in the last one year. In the course of service some made great connections and have already secured a good place to pitch a tent after service. Others in a hurry return home. They’d rather start over afresh in a familiar zone than leverage on the reputation and opportunities observed in the course of 12 months.

I think it is worth it to consider your options before making a decision in a hurry. Although I have made my decision, I still gave serious considerations to the option of staying back. I am a fruitful vine, I will blossom anywhere I am planted. I will flourish anywhere I place my feet. However, there is a place where I prefer to cast my shadow and it isn’t here.

I Sincerely Hope I Won't Cry

It was almost a 6 months strike. I spent about half of my service year on strike. That didn't stop the fun in anyway. Business and a couple of other things kept me really busy, even busier than those on session. While the strike was on, 2015 Batch A Corps Members joined us. It was a daunting task to give consolation to the brokenhearted among them. Many had hoped for cities and castles and now they need a surge of consolation to stay alive. Some stayed, some left, some moved to other places within the state. In summary, it was another batch of Characters. The pretty, the funny, the hardworking and the friendly. I have always enjoyed meeting people. They help me complete the definition of life. Interestingly, some 2015 Batch A started to teach before me. We were still on strike.

Fast forward by a couple of months, my school resumed. It was fun to go to work like my other colleagues. It was then I knew I still had passion. Even while students were still registering, I visited the school severally and kept asking when lectures will start. I am sure the HOD was tired of my visit asking for course outline and time table. 

Finally, my first day in class it dawned on me that I had a responsibility not just to teach but to inspire my students. I enjoyed talking and writing on their hearts. I saw curiosity in their eyes. I sensed they had dreams and aspirations. I gave them an assignment to write what they would love to do after school. Some people responded and just as I thought, I saw them. I hoped and prayed that my short moment of interaction with them will somehow lead them closer to these dreams.

I am beginning to sense to intense emotions that will surround my departure. I am neck deep into service. I am enjoying every bit of it. I am savoring every moment. I almost didn't want to switch classes with my other colleague with whom I planned to share the course. I was getting attached and didn't want to leave them midway. I  figured we could still be friends even when I begin teaching the other class.

These are some of the moments that words can express. There are many more moments that only a smile can convey. This indeed has been one of the greatest years of my life.

It has Been really Exciting

While everyone was enjoying the new year celebrations, I was thinking about the new life I was going to start in a few days. I had dropped some of my things behind in Garkawa, Mikang LGA of Plateau State. When I arrived in January, it felt like I had been away for years. The whole room was covered in dust. Items I carefully placed in bags too were covered in dust. To crown it all, we resumed to very cold weather. I usually tell everyone who calls that Garkawa is not as cold as Jos. But this period was really cold. I heard Jos was freezing. Of cause I experienced it a bit because I passed a night there.

We resumed in January and almost immediately the exams started. It was a great place to start service. You get to announce the kind of person you are without a word. That was very easy. Easier than having to explain how much you don't tolerate laziness and examination malpractice. I made friends, identified the smart and independent students. I learnt who they are - those who work hard and obey rules and those who are lazy and always seek favors. Jokingly but firmly, I made my point.

Just about when the more interesting part was about to start, the long strike began. I was so eager to get into the classroom and deliver 'stuffs.' It seemed that the strike deflated my passion. But my passion is not external, it was well preserved till the right time. I became almost idle. While my colleagues  went to work, I turned on my bed. Not long after the strike started, the ICT department started a certificate course in Computer Appreciation. That kept me busy three days a week. CDS kept me busy the fourth day. NCCF had the rest. 

I made a few trips. The elections served as a perfect decoy. Many things happened on this trip. I changed my phone and bought my dream Infinix Zero which has quickly been overtaken by another smarter phone. My former phone had become really slow. I have overworked it. Just before I gave it out, i emptied the phone and I was tempted to withhold it. It worked at a speed of light, but there was no going back.

One remarkable thing was, on this trip I made a decision to start my business. Interestingly, this business paid higher than my PPA. I sold airtime and MTN data. It turned out to keep me really busy. My phone became an asset. I did learn a number of things about people and business too. I learnt that advert is critical. You don't do a business in the corner of your room and expect people to find you out. Even though your office is in a phone, put a signpost on the express. Shout out loud and let people know what you do. Also, the ability to give credit almost doubles your clientele.

To be continued...

How Many More Days To Go?

Two or three weeks ago I sent a broadcast that read "71 days to go." And messages started trooping in to confirm if my calculations were correct. I was just as confused as they were. The only fact I am aware of is that, each passing day, we are a day closer to the end of service. I'm not eager to leave because this is not exciting for me. Far from it. I  am actually having a great time. I am just eager to throw the curtains open and experience life beyond these veils. But meanwhile, I am having a great time meeting people and learning a new language word after word.

In preparation to wrap up, I want to share my experience. I hope you enjoy it. I have decided to break it into pieces so I don't bore you you one lump of monopolized perspective of NYSC. And to those who would enjoy it, sorry that you would have to wait a bit to get the rest. And if you honestly have an answer to my question (the title), please do well to save me from my confusion. Enjoy...

While coming for service, I had a feeling that I was going to serve in an Higher Institution. I prayed for it. I couldn't bear the thought of teaching kids. I haven't developed that sort of patience. Or perhaps, it was foresight. Whatever the case was going to be, I made up my mind to live with it. I wasn't going to tamper with anything. I trusted that my Lord would lead me in the path He wills.

Just as I thought, I was posted to an higher institution. Though it was not the definition of Higher Institution I had. It was very close. It was the desire of everyone who served in the local government. It was the highest paying place of primary assignment in the Local Government. It was the place to be as far as my vicinity was concerned. I got to meet and interact with mature people daily. It was awesome. It was far easier to inspire these ones, i thought.

After being accepted, we wrote letters of permission and traveled for Christmas. I basically used the holidays to summon courage. I had determined to stick with my posting. My colleagues who stayed back for the Christmas had great tales for us. They made us regret our travelling. They received Christmas hampers comprising life chickens, gallons of oil and species. They made us feel bad for leaving them. But I consoled myself with the fact that I had even more goodies from my brother's wedding.

to be continued...

My Country, My God and My Service

Many years ago, In 1954 precisely, God ministered to Pa S G Elton, a British missionary to Ilesha and he prophesied that "One day, Nigerian Government will pay youths to preach in every nook and cranny of the country." No one knew for sure how this would come to be. But barely 20 years after, there was civil war and there came a need for reconciliation afterward. By God's design when the war ended the government instituted NYSC. They claimed it's for national integration, but God intended it for a bigger purpose.

How on earth could educated men be sent to remote places with practically no need for such expertise like theirs? This brings to mind several people in the bible whose secular training was a foundation for heaven's assignment. Paul, Luke, Daniel, Shedrach, Meshach, Abed-Nego among others fall into this class. Their secular training was instrumental to their ministerial success. As much as we say God empties us and fills us afresh, He only empties us of the things He did not orchestrate. God often begins His training long before we become aware.

Paul, who was once Saul the Pharisee is one man to consider; equipped to be one of the greatest of his time, learnt under the greatest faculties and was very close to attaining his dream height when suddenly he found purpose. We might say his past and future has no correlation but on close observation we see his knowledge of the law, reputation and influence, handicraft (tent making) and Roman citizenship were all useful for ministry. Who we are and where we have been is all part of God's training for what He'll have us do.

Luke the doctor, has one of the most detailed gospels with very interesting descriptions and expressions. His wealth of experience in careful research and record keeping is palpable in his account of Jesus' gospel. Sometimes, our pen is the most potent weapon  for the moment. All we need do a times is to take records and zoom in on what people call normal and find the treasures. It takes one whose mind has been trained to execute such a feat.

Scriptures say Daniel and his companions had knowledge of science, skilful in wisdom and had courtesy. (Dan 1:4) However, we skip that and jump to where they did exploits and surpassed all the other wise men including indigenes of Babylon. Their secular or permit me to say university training gave them the opportunity to be considered first of all; it gave them audience; it gave them a chance. They needed all that to penetrate into the place where they will execute their assignment proper.

This year is an opportunity to reach people. The NYSC gives us a platform. People respect the uniform, the knowledge, the experience and give listening ears to us. All that we have gathered might just be what is needed to penetrate the places God  would have us be this period. That is why it is so easy to take advantage of those we meet during service- when me misuse our influence. But how best can we use this opportunity?

First, we need to find God. These men possessed skills but didn't maximise destiny to they found God. Many are confused in what path to follow in life despite their array of skills and qualifications. Many have been through so much, have learnt a lot but haven't found use for such experience. Many people have influence but have reduced such tremendous gift of human resources to monetary profit alone. An encounter with God puts our entire life into perspective. God commands order into the chaos in our lives. He sorts out our skills and abilities and efficiently deploys them for a more expedient purpose.

Next, we need to be diligent in the place of our primary assignment. Only few people will serve God by doing exclusive ministry. More people will serve God as they serve the nation. It is interesting to note that Pa Elton, through whom the prophesy emerged, reached people by interacting with them in their own domain. He reached students as he went from school to school, pouring out from his treasury. We sometimes neglect NYSC and hope that opportunities will come to serve God from the blues. But NYSC is a platform on which the gospel can and should bride. While we serve, we find opportunities. We can meet people in their domain and be a blessing.

Next, while you are serving, find one soul and make a disciple; pour out from your treasury and nourish the hungry souls; ignite many more souls with that fire you have caught from the altar. Evangelism has an elder brother. Evangelism drops the gospel as it passes by. But Jesus urges us to make disciples. Discipleship lights the fire sits with it and fans the flames till it can burn on its own. Discipleship teaches people the grace of our Lord, immerses them in the love of God, introduces them to the fellowship of the spirit and teaches them to observe all that God commands.

NCCF is one of the platforms where this can be achieved. It is a fellowship where youths are ignited and deployed; where skill and professionalism is channelled for the gospel's sake. NCCF is a training platform to equip us and refuel us in the course of the service year. We gather to receive strength and encourage one another. When the meetings are over, we march to our PPAs with purpose, passion and a message.

Being a part of NCCF alone is not enough, it's like eating and eating without using the energy, it accumulates as fat and make us obese and consequently more lazy. Serving in our PPA's alone is not enough. It's like being spent without being refilled. It's like flying an empty cargo plane. But being part of NCCF, serving faithfully in your PPA's and reaching out for the souls of men, women and children is indeed the compete service.

Shalom!

Face your Fears, then your Feelings

Many times we seek motivation for the activities we are meant to do. We seek for a sign; we desire to know if it would be worth it at all. We want to know how much profit we would make of we embarked on a trade. But honestly, these are answers we can only get along the way. Though we may make estimations and very close predictions, no prediction has been totally accurate so far. Stick with me as I share an interesting lesson learnt by observing fellow corps members participating in the NYSC Scheme, especially those we are done and have now become a reservoir of experience.

Shortly, after the orientation camp, which may probably be the most exciting part of the service year, people are posted to different nooks and cranny of each state. More often than not, we meet with disappointments. The tales we heard missed a lot of details. The pictures we see had nothing in correlation with reality. Most people who didn't cry when traveling far away from home will do so when they arrive at places far from civilisation. And I guess everyone who cried will cry again. In the must of all this, corpers who have been through this phase begin to offer words of consolation. They tell tales of how they cried more than we are doing and how they were even more afraid and yet, here they are.

Here is my point, they started the same way we did - afraid, perplexed and worried. But they felt much better after getting both feet in. We seek consolation now, but those from whom we seek it got theirs when they got in. All your plans may have been rubbished because the variable of environment has changed. But nonetheless, you can still make a great a service year. Put the equations back on the sheet and substitute for new variables. Most of the answers you seek lie within the hallway. All the encouragement you seek and all the possible profit lies along the pathYou just have to get in first. You could make a great piece with your feelings before and after the experience.

As much as we have to learn from other's experiences, our custom made lessons can only be found within our own experience. Only the naive will think that he can get all he needs before the first step. That would be a great delusion. Our fine details and furnishing materials can only come when we have resolved to deep both feet in.

Get in first, then make a book out of your experience.

Forced to be Together, Forced to Depart

The passing out of 2014 Batch B corp members meets with several reactions. There were many sighs, many tears, final words and last hugs. Suddenly, accommodations have become more scanty, CDS has lost many great contributors. NCCF is painfully sending people off. Even the weather knows something just happened. It's just sombre over here. The sun is morning and hiding. The cloud is heavy with years. Reality has dawned: there are actually people that we might never ever see again. All we have left are memories of each other; the blockbuster words of wisdom and your mobile contact probably.

Meanwhile, 11 months ago, it was a struggle to make us stay. Especially on the Plateau and in the north generally, it took a lot of persuasion to make people stay. They were made to stay mostly against their will. And those who decided to stay needed much encouragement and consolation. And finally, they obliged. They decided and resolved to bear with everything that happens within the year. Made friends, made money, served and loved. And just about when it was getting most interesting, they're forced to leave again.

I say forced because when you get a serious letter (certificate) signed by two powerful people and an indirect threat of 'no more monthly allowance,' common sense tells you it's time to move. It's time to continue life where you left off a year ago or have an entirely new start.

It was awesome getting to know you all:
Meticulous Garrulous Michael, strike while the iron is still hot.
Tremendous Contagious Timothy, make sure you look into it.
Motherly Chef Mirian, make sure you make that Kunu for your governor
Efficient Dr Abiola, heal the world
Hilarious Jonny Femi, if the navy doesn't appreciate you, start your army
Handsome Minister ThankGod, when you go release album o
Cute Wunmi, stay pretty and keep the fire burning
Firm Wunmi, start disciplined and don't break anyone's bones
Daddy Uncle Bayo, teach those kids to love God too
Unperturbed Emmanuel, you no fit kill yourself jare
Daring Adaptable David, you have a superb definition of service: being one of them
Insightful Laolu, you have lots of reorientation to do in this country
Smiley Ijeoma, I hope people don't misinterpret your smile
Reserved Mercy, break your shell, the world is your playground
Unruffled Ibeinmo, that's how you no invite me for lunch through out
Stealthy Faith, detective or intelligence job won't be bad
Industrious Rachael, flash me when you announce your company's IPO

Personally, I'll miss you all. I hope we meet again. But better still I pray we become great and successful people who bring a great deal of positive influence wherever we find ourselves.

Meanwhile, it's barely 98 days till I get my quit notice from NYSC. See you later, need to put things in order...

Happy 200 Days to 2014 Batch C

It feels just like yesterday (that must have been a very long night though), when we marched to camps from all over the nation. For 200 days, we have become become friends to those we never knew. We have pitched a tent in a place we never imagined to call home. Some of us have probably eaten foods we wouldn't have had access to on a normal day. Some of us have never been away from home this long. Who would ever imagine 200 days has done by?

Just like a friend predicted, it would be really hard making an entry into my diary everyday. I knew I would miss a few days but I never envisaged that they would be so much. This is a special shout out to those who keep at something for so long. Bloggers, friends that send daily broadcasts, and people who constantly share inspiring stuff everyday without missing one out. It's not like they have nothing else to do. They usually do, but they have made a commitment to being consistent. That is a rare commodity. There is always an excuse for being consistent, however, consistency itself is the ability to remain consistent in spite of the excuses.

These 200 days remind me that, we have come a long way. We have fewer days that we have spent already. This, for one, is good news. However, it also sends chills down my spine. I don't want to recall the very big resolutions and promises I made at the beginning. It makes me feel guilty. But taking a cue from a popular preacher by the name Bill Britton, "if I had my way, I would not return to the past. The opportunity to start over cannot outweigh the things I have learnt." No matter how much we love to go back to the past and make corrections, there are things that we have added-knowledge, friends, lessons, experiemces- that isn't worth loosing. I will rather move on with hope.

Unnecessary Things that Might Be Useful: NYSC 2015 Batch A

Now that you have a list of needs, I think a list of wants might be of help too.

What Business Do You Do

Many entrepreneurs want to lay low in camp and avoid being noticed. That is by no means a definition of humility. Whatever it is that you do, take along with you to camp. it is an opportunity to expand your clientele.

1. DJ's go with your laptop. You don't want to regret your decision when you hear 'wack' music  from the OBS (that's the Camp Radio) knowing you can do better.
2. Makeup artistes, go along with some of your things. Camp features several activities like Miss NYSC competition, Drama, Dance etc. Your services would be useful in one or more of these. You may also earn a little income.
3. Footballers, go with your boots. You might have a bad mood when you buy a new boot knowing you could have brought one from home
4. Beauty queens, do not forget to go with your beauty. It could earn you some fame, a good posting or a nice gift. and definitely a lot of attention. You may come with a gown for the pageant (hoping you will qualify). Renting a gown can make you incur extra cost. unfortunately, you might not get a perfect fit.
5. Artistes that can draw and paint, you might also get to add a few thousands to your alawee by offering your services to those who'll need it. Some want their portraits. If you can design on shirts, know that people are willing to pay 200 naira for just making their clothe look nice with their name colourfully written.
6. Musicians, you can go with your sound track. You may be lucky at the talent hunt or get airplay on OBS Radio

Whatever, you know how to do, do not hide. There's not price for being the most reserved. Talk, interact, learn, participate and don't forget to leave a lasting impression about your family, tribe and people. Enjoy the variety Nigeria provides.  Avoid ethnic cliques. Know that you can redefine who you are in 21 days. "Any habit you practice for 21 days becomes a character." Here's a chance to be a new and better person.

Things You Need: NYSC 2015 Batch B

First of all, I want to say congratulations on your graduation. I trust that school has enlarged your mind.

While I was preparing to go to NYSC Camp myself, I needed a list to guide me with the things I needed. I thought this would be useful for someone else so I decided to compile this. This would help you to be adequately prepared and free from all undue pressure and harassment that may arise from forgotten documents and basic items you forgot to take along.

Basic Requirements for Registration

Registration is the first and most important thing at the orientation camp, just like at any other place. At the registration venue, you are expected to provide the following things:

1. Your final year Student ID Card. If you don't have that of the final year, any other one may pass. Make photocopies of this ID card as you would need it for a number of things one of which is opening your 'alawee' account.
2. Notification of Result from your School (Original and Photocopies). If you have your original certificate, the statement of result is not necessary. Again, do not forget to make photocopies.
3. Passport Photograph (Take as many copy as you can but you will only need a few). If you haven't snapped yet, insist on red background. This delayed a few of people while i was registering.
4. Your original call-up letter (This will be taken and not returned to you, take photocopies along too)

Personal Needs

1. Toiletries (Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Bath soap, Sponge, Toilet Paper, Towel, Shower Caps, flip-flops)
2. Laundry Stuff (Detergent, Bar Soap, Bleach, Disinfectants, Buckets & Bailer, hangers, clips)
3. Cosmetics (Cream, Lotion, Combs, Sprays, Perfumes, Hair needs, makeup, mosquito repellant)
4. Bedding (Bed sheets, cover clothes, mosquito nets, pillow, Eye pads for sleeping & ear plugs for those who can't sleep with the lights on or with noise)
5. White T-shirts
6. White Shorts
7. Whites tennis shoes
8. White socks
9. Underwear (white is better so it doesn't show through your white clothes)
10. Torch lights
11. Feeding needs (Food flasks, cups, drinking flasks, cutlery. Forks and knifes are not allowed and would be seized if found)
12. Padlocks and keys
13. Waist pouch
14. Handkerchiefs/face towels/Kleenex
15. First aid Items (Allergy drugs, purging pills, anti-malaria etc. Usually the clinic would be ready to cater for most of these needs for free)
16. Camera & batteries. You don't want to miss the awesome moments
17. Writing pads and stationary (Pen, Glue sticks & stapler etc). These would be necessary for speed during registration and you wouldn't have to be at the mercy of anyone.
18. Novels/Books/Music Players (Anything that can keep you from being bored.)
19. Surge protectors / extensions (extensions were seized in my camp, though mine wasnt. You might not be that lucky. Get an adaptor to be on a safer side.)
20. Cash (This would be necessary to get the items that would  be too clumsy bringing along, meals you probably don't like or would miss)
21. Modesty

Finally, go with a determination to enjoy, to learn and to be a better person. Any habit you maintain for 21 days will become a character. Here is your chance to define your character; redefine your personality and start over if you need to. Make friends, take pictures and participate.

Enjoy, Expand, Explore, Exploit, Explode!

Nothing is Wasted

You are ushered into the new day by the crow of the cocks. As you begin your chores, you don't have to worry where to dispose your waste and leftovers. When cleaning out your kitchen, nothing is wasted. Left over grains will serve a breakfast for the flock of birds. Yam peels and vegetable stalk will feed the goats. The bones will feed the dogs while the pigs will take care of the rest. Nothing is wasted.

On the streets, the same rules almost apply. The roads aren't very busy, so to often find animals roaming and cleaning up the community. The animals have gotten used to the roads being not so busy. So they react strangely when a vehicle appears. Some of them get too startled to escape and are overrun by the vehicles. This time, men themselves do the clean up. They pick up the dying or dead animal as the case may be. Some end up in the market and some at home. however they choose to cleanup, nothing is wasted, even animal carcass.

Now I'm back home and planning breakfast. Then I remember that a neighbour offered us 'kuunu' a day before. This is one of the most fantastic drinks humanity has to offer. There's virtually no ingredient absent and almost no nutrient is missing. Since this great drink have no preservatives, they don't last more than a few days. Actually it's not that the drink evaporates, it only changes taste and smell. However there's another drink of choice-burukutu. You may modernize the name and call it BKT. Though I will never find sufficient reasons to take it, some need no reason at all. Just make it available and the rest is settled. While I am lamenting the fermentation of the graceful kuunu, some are rejoicing abut it's transformation to kuunu. Nothing is wasted, even expired kuunu can be served as BKT.

After, settling breakfast. I remember I need to do some cleaning. Pieces of paper, nylons, matchsticks, dried leaves have littered the vicinity. After much hesitation, summon courage to clean up, and behold there's nothing! Who helped with the clean up? There's no body around but I can see my neighbour's breakfast on fire. They don't fancy the 'kerosine' lifestyle we corpers are living. They cook with firewood and improvised tripod. Just before the firewood is ignited, they need materials that can burn easily. Nothing is wasted. All our waste served as fuel. I don't have to clean, they don't have to buy kerosine. It's a win-win.

If you're too tush, close your eyes on this one. Sometimes getting water could be real work. Having to climb down the hill and back up with a bucket or two isn't an instinctive thought. We conserve water alot. Sometimes after washing, we gather the waste water together. Just like I said, nothing is wasted. This water could help do a remarkable work in flushing the toilet. And if need arises for more water, we can take from our highly esteemed reservoir of clean water. Nothing, even waste water, is wasted.

I look forward to a time where nothing in it's real sense will be wasted. Sometimes we are literarily burning under the hot sun. If truly all waste would be put to use, there should be a way to channel the immerse heat from the sun to generate power. Air conditioners and refrigerators can run on this and it would be a paradise indeed. Already, there's a place where solar power is used to run a pumping machine serving a good number of indigenes. However, there's still a great deal of solar power wasting away.

Don't be offended when you pay me a visit and you see me pour leftovers just in front of my house. The self-cleaning system will be activated in a few minutes.

A Brand New Opportunity to Start Over

One thing this service year offers us is an opportunity to start our lives over again. Perhaps we have lived a life in the past that we are not to proud about, this is the perfect opportunity to start all over again. We have been given a new environment, a new opportunity to select who are friends are. We have a new accommodation void of the same distractions that we no longer have resistance to; we have a new environment that does not contain the same places where we pricked our fingers.

We absolutely do not have to rebuild the life that tore us apart here again. We have a privilege to make resolutions and stand by them. The truth here is no one really knows who you are. People begin to tag you only from your speech and what they see you do. No one knows that name that makes your head blow up; no one know what to say that will unleash the beast in you yet. No one knows anything until you do something; no one knows anything until you say something.

I am convinced that some of us have left really terrible lives back home. NYSC is not only an opportunity to serve Nigeria, it also serve us the opportunity to redefine our identity. This is a year for redefinition; this is a year for evaluation. We can make resolves and easily actualize them.

Truthfully, it would take us the same amount of energy and resources to continue our former or start a new life. We may decide to continue the former life of which we are not so proud or start up our dream life. You do not have to say the words that stair up memories and ignite desires. You can always talk about what you want.

You can help yourself by consciously choosing friends. Never succumb again to your weakness. This is a time to start over. Redefine who you are and change the course of your life forever.

It's 100 Days Today

To all NYSC 2014 Batch C members, happy #100Days... May the days ahead bring better opportunities, greater joys and more secure protection.

For 2014 Batch B, who aren't counting, it's 192 days today... Enjoy!

For Batch A, its 345 days...

Have you started on those plans of yours?
Have you learnt that skill you wanted to learn?
Have you added that certificate you were determined to add?
Have you read that book?

Have you benefited your community?
Have you given your best?
Have you truly served?
Have you helped that person?

Is your integrity still intact?
Are you still a worthy ambassador of home?
Have you kept your good name?
Have you showed someone good people still exist?

How will the next 100 days be?
Will you still be yourself?
Will you still keep your hopes and promises?
Will you still pursue those opportunities?

As you celebrate, reflect
As you look forward, look back
As you run, watch your steps
As you life, remember destiny

Happy 100 days...

Wonders Shall Never End

Wonders Shall Never End
I've seen many things under the sun
Just a hundred days as a youth corp member
And I can't stop being amazed

I've seen trees grow out of a rock
Life overcome lifelessness eventually
The work of years and many tears
Eventually becoming an inspiration

I've seen beautiful skins in this scorching sun
Genuine beauty is from deep within
Weather sunny, rainy, cold or dry
Beauty keeps beaming all year round

I've seen cocks crow in the evening
It still baffles me after weeks
What ushers us into a new day there
Is what announces every hour here

I've seen people tie wrapper to school
Common for one is classy for another
Your impossibility is another's normalcy
Your preposterous is another's no-big-deal

I've seen a job-seeker living in his own house
Early diligence paying off when needed most
Being too young for life is itself a deception
Set something aside once you think about it

I've seen people from extremes become brothers
I've seen strangers fall in love in days
What we never considered may become part of us
That's the power of meeting people

I've seen the old seek favour from the young
I've heard the grey call the black 'sir'
Wherever life places us

I've seen people dislike you for doing right
Bad is the new good, strange the new normal
People get close to because they see common imperfection
And get farther when they sense higher standards

I've travelled an hour to browse the internet
I beat myself anytime I remember that
I couldnt do what I initially planned for
Right in one corner of the room lies network

I've seen a very beautiful lodge in this obscure place
I've seen bright colourful flowers on leafless tees
I've seen bright petals grow in the desert
I've seen the golden sun peep between trees

I've seen people leave their rooms to get comfort outside
The day's heat has made home repulsive
Its like the walls store up heat while we hide from the sun
Only to lavish it on us when we desire rest the most

I've seen collegues in tears when about leaving serving year
Strangers have become family; sojourners, friends
Leaving is now much harder than staying
The memory of the first fear have faded out

I've seen corpers stay behind in the most unlikely places
Won't be surprised to know some are now married
A foreign land has become home
A Critic has become chief advocate

I've seen beauty fade because of neglect
Buildings deteriorate for lack of use
Schools retrogress because of government misplaced priority

I've learnt wisdom from men who came from far
Never look over another man's head
What you need may be in his hands
Pride will make you miss wisdom from another's mouth

I've heard people say my mind much better than I would have
No one has a monopoly of ideas
If you hoard yours too long it becomes obsolete
Men would soon find a better alternative

I've seen men who defied all odds to stay
Men who's decision to stay is held by a tiny chord of faith
Not that we have all things figured out
The only thing we know is we'll be fine anyway

Those in the village are happy they're not in the city
Initially it looked like a loss, it was gain afterall
Where crowd, cost and contempt is alien
Noice, traffic and fear is far away in the city.

I've seen beauty in the must unlikely place
People I'd really like to get close to
I want to know why, and how they got here
When they look so much different from others

I've seen the scars of past hurt
I've seen the shadow of past destruction
Vacant buildings; empty compound in a one time big city
The marks the beast called hatred left behind

I've seen people in safety fear for those at war
The tales of war are simply exaggerated back home
Any news of a bombing in the north speeds up their pulse
While the little baby here sleeps without worry

I've seen people prefer local breeds to exotic ones
So I heard they prefer their own cocks to broilers
They even say it tastes better
Bad business for anyone thinking broiler

I've seen people standout in the midst of mediocres
While everyone else seeks on opportunity to cheat
There preserve integrity every opportunity they have
Never lump all men together, there is greatness among the lot

I've seen people hope for what you consider common
Someone told me He hoped to come to Lagos sometime
Lagosians want to leave the slightest chance they get
We're there because we have to

I've seen locales teach us our own art
Students here teach corpers to play snoockers
We leave behind everything we think we know from the news
And pay attention to those who know the true story

Wonders shall never end
After hundred days, I haven't being weaned from surprises

Now that We've been Paid

Now that we've been paid..

Now that we've been paid, I'm no more getting messages. All the questions people have been asking have suddenly been answered. A week ago when the payment was due and it wasn't coming, I get messages from everyone. All seem to be asking the same question: "you don see alert."

Now that we've been paid, some people are already falling in love with Jonathan. They've stopped passing their usual derogatory comments. I can imagive if the increment rumour was true, GEJ would have had a more vibrant youth followship willing to postpone their regrets and suspend their anger.

Now that we've been paid, a bottle of soft drink is no longer as expensive as it used to be a week ago. You can confidently buy a soft drink knowing that what would be left is much more than what was spent.

Now that we've been paid, all creditors are saying hello and the bills are coming top the to of the stack.Everyone seems to know we've been paid. Bad thing about being paid is you can't lie about it. The whole nation is singing the same song. Yours can't be different.

Now that we've been paid, i'm considering a good meal. Something off the regular. Something that will keep me smiling till the next windfall. Something that will probably fill up the gaps and add some flesh to these bones.

Now that we've been paid, yanga go plenty. Feathers and wings will grow. All the fever and temporary gentleness caused by 'no money' will suddenly be healed. Money answers all things, including certain psychological and behavioural inconsistencies.

Now that we've been paid, take it easy. Another one will still come. Don't treat it as a miracle. Now that we've been paid, don't sleep at the bar. Get essentials, save the rest and life goes on.

Now that We've been Paid

Now that we've been paid..

Now that we've been paid, I'm no more getting messages. All the questions people have been asking have suddenly been answered. A week ago when the payment was due and it wasn't coming, I get messages from everyone. All seem to be asking the same question: "you don see alert."

Now that we've been paid, some people are already falling in love with Jonathan. They've stopped passing their usual derogatory comments. I can imagive if the increment rumour was true, GEJ would have had a more vibrant youth followship willing to postpone their regrets and suspend their anger.

Now that we've been paid, a bottle of soft drink is no longer as expensive as it used to be a week ago. You can confidently buy a soft drink knowing that what would be left is much more than what was spent.

Now that we've been paid, all creditors are saying hello and the bills are coming top the to of the stack.Everyone seems to know we've been paid. Bad thing about being paid is you can't lie about it. The whole nation is singing the same song. Yours can't be different.

Now that we've been paid, i'm considering a good meal. Something off the regular. Something that will keep me smiling till the next windfall. Something that will probably fill up the gaps and add some flesh to these bones.

Now that we've been paid, yanga go plenty. Feathers and wings will grow. All the fever and temporary gentleness caused by 'no money' will suddenly be healed. Money answers all things, including certain psychological and behavioural inconsistencies.

Now that we've been paid, take it easy. Another one will still come. Don't treat it as a miracle. Now that we've been paid, don't sleep at the bar. Get essentials, save the rest and life goes on.

A Corper's Cry towards 2015 Elections #VoteNotFight #NigeriaDecides

Whenever I have the opportunity to get online, I see comments, predictions, news and status updates about the coming general elections. I noticed every single person talking will only be out for a few hours. They will not even feel the pressure of the event. They will be in the comfort of their homes most of the time. I haven’t seen any Corp member bear their views on the elections. So I thought I should raise our voice as loudly as we can. We are the ones who will feel the most intense pressure. We are the ones at the 'agbami eto.'

Security is a majour concern for us. I cannot help but remember the tragic occurrence that claimed the lives of some of our senior colleagues who served in the north in 2011. Upon the announcement of the results of the elections, aggrieved supporters poured into the streets and pounced upon innocent corpers. This is a memory that will continually haunt the families and friends of the deceased. Even those who lost have accepted defeat and summed up courage to contest again. But the breadth of the deceased have gone forever.

I want to state that nothing is worth more than the life of a youth at this time. The reason and motivation any candidate is contesting is centered on the future of the country. If you kill the future, what are you becoming president for? If you take the lives of those who believe in the future of this country and showed their commitment by participating in the youth service scheme and have further volunteered to assist in the election process, who do you want to leave the leadership of the country to? People who bought certificates?

We are the reason you are going to Aso Rock. Whatever happens, our safety is far more important. We are the little finger of the government that can reach the cracks and crevices of our dear country. Give us that respect. We squeeze ourselves to reach unimaginable places the fat and proud politicians cannot reach. We are the people that know the names and pains of the little boys and girls forgotten in the rural areas. 

We are the only image of the government some people will ever get. Give us that honor! We are the ones who can help bring transformation or change to the schools with thatched roofs and adobe walls. We are the ones that make sitting on the floor worthwhile for the little child that walks barefooted to school.

Whatever happens, the green khaki is the only impact some people will feel. Do not cut anyone's dream short. Whoever wins, all things being equal, has a shorter life ahead of him than the average Corp Member. Do not cut these beautiful destinies short.

With this I want to echo the most beautiful sound I have heard so far.

A sound more beautiful than #Transformation

A sound more honorable than #Change

A sound more creative than #FeBuhari14

This sound is #VoteNotFight

Moments When I think About Running Home

Honestly, there have been moments when I think about running home. First moment is when the reality of hunger dawns. It has indeed been a while I went into the kitchen to prepare a meal for myself. The only thing I do in the kitchen is to serve myself or sometimes just even pick the food that would have already been served. That was awesome and once in a while. That makes me want to run home.

Thinking about what to eat is a big enough problem. Not to talk about getting all the ingredients and combining them together in precise quantity at precise intervals to make your desired meal. Unfortunately, all the required ingredients are not readily available and you have to improvise or compromise on the quality of your imaginary meal. At such times I think about home.

On the first few days of my arrival here, I was wondering why I have to climb down the hill to get water (By the way, I stay on a hill). Memories of just opening the tap at home quickly came to my mind. That didn't take much time to acclimatize to. I got used to it after a while. Almost as I got used to the descending and ascending to get water, I got another shocker! Our 'drinking water' finished!

Where we obtain water to drink is even farther. I began wondering why we couldn't drink the one with which we took our baths. At times of intense pressure, we challenge the status quo. (That’s a very inspiring quote there!) As if that was not enough, the queue at the 'drinking water spot' was so long. These are times I pray that someone there remember I'm a corper (staff) and helps me out. That happens frequently. The distance didn't bother me anymore because I got help once I arrived.

Last but not the least regarding water issues. Recently, the pumping machines were no longer 'behaving.' Water was now a serious issue. The entire community now depends on the 'drinking water spot.' It’s one thing to go there once a while to get drinking water. It is another thing to go there twice daily. At that point I began counting how many more days to leave. That made me miss home.

GSM service or network as we all call it is another serious issue. 3G is a fantasy! I really think about getting home where there is service in every corner of the house. MTN is about the best here. But I realize that I hardly receive calls. Whenever I get through, I get accused for switching off my phone. I later learnt that it’s ten times easier for me to call out than receive a call. MTN here is a one-way.

Airtel works only on a particular spot and I can't dial unless I point my phone towards the east. For GLO, they're so full of themselves. I've never seen even a human being that proud. It comes and goes as it pleases. I honestly apologies to those who have been trying to reach me via calls. Please bear with me. A ping or chat message will do so much good right now.

These among many things make me wanna run home.

Sweaters to Birthday Suits

First, why does everyone think the entire Plateau State is Jos? Plateau is almost 9 times the size of Lagos. Its about the same same distance from Jos to Abuja as it is to my humble abode. Anyone travelling from Ibadan to Lagos and turned back to pick something halfway will probably arrive Lagos the same time as I'm dropping my bag. Provided its not on a first Friday.

I might be responsible to a large extent. I simply tell everyone I'm going to Jos. That saves me a lot of explanation. Its really hard to explain, pronounce and spell a name like Garkawa knowing fully well you'll ask "hows jos?" again in our next conversation. But when it comes to weather issues, I try to be explicit in my description. When it comes to weather, they are two worlds apart.

First few days into year was similar, cold. Even with that, Jos was extreme. I learnt Jos experienced a temperature of 9 degrees. The least we had would be 16 or a little less. I'm not sure anyone here remember what a thermometer is. Right now, I'm almost sleeping in my birthday suit while my people in jos are shutting windows and wearing sweaters. It isn't as cold but is still cold. Interestingly, there places cooler than Jos and places hotter than Mikang. Isn't God great?

I'm loving my hairstyle. I can't imagine what it would feel like if I had "the Rock shave." The sun would have made a hole in my head. I'm seriouslly considering facecaps and goggles. This is more about need than fashion.

This weather is helping me plan well. No one in his right senses wants to go in twice. Plan the whole day, take off and then retire till the sun sets.

It would be great if we had thermopiles up here. This heat is wasting.

My Book of Genesis

I heard an interesting message by Dr Ravi Zacharias describing Genesis as the book of firsts. It sounded in a way i've never heard it before. The first man, first woman, first Family, first enemies, first sin, first pardon, first altar, first offering, first murder, first birth, first rape, first love, first betrayal, first sacrifice, first covenant etc. I feel like I'm experiencing my own Genesis here.

I've had my first official assignment at my ppa. It's so fun to be called 'sir.' There's respect from all over. We when our lecturers addressed without much regard have become people that other lecturers respect and give responsibility.

I've recieved my first local government allowance. I won't tell you the amount so you won't ask me for recharge or request for my account number out of pity. It isn't really about the amount. It was fun receiving the first. I heard we'd be left with only 200 when they begin to deduct various fees fron the next one. I hope is a rumour.

I have made my first meal. It was indomie. Not the student grade Ooo. The working class grade indomie. It was garnished with fresh pepper and sardine. Honestly, I didn't percieve any aroma until I finished eating. I don't understand what happened either, just trust me.

I have had my first cup of kunu. This doubles as my first cup of kunnu ever. It took me about 2 hours to finish it. All encouragement that it tasted great feel on deaf ears. I have never tasted anything like it. Not so true. It tasted like "omi ogi" (pap-water). That's the more reason it struggled to go down my throat. I remember in those days that we didn't let anyone know we were tasting water squeezed out of grinded corn.

I've had my first 'charger blow up.' The voltage wasnt high though. In fact it seemed that it got burnt because the voltage fluctuated between low and normal to frequently. The charger left a souvenir depression on the carpet because of the high temperature. It didn't go alone, it took my new extension socket along. RIP my charger. This charger was so long you could be connected in another house while working in your room. I miss it.

I've seen the popular dongoyaro tree. Bye bye to anti malaria. Here comes medicine for all forms of illness.

I've finished my first book here. I found it among the books of my colleague hosting me. The title, "Whatever happened to Worship" by AW Tozer. A wonderful book to start up with. So many distractions on where to start. One would naturally think, join a fellowship or preach the gospel. I almost forgot I ought to start with what I was created to do.

I've heard my first sermon here. I've listened to my first audio here. I've attended my first Bible study here. Made my first contribution.

I've taken my first stroll. Bought my first biscuit. Its a Family size "cabin." I've bought my first drink. It was so cold and refreshing. By the wat it was Sprite even though the bottle was green.

I've spoken my first Hausa sentense. Students have had their first laugh at me. I've got my first laugh too. I've made my first catch for examination malpractice. Though it was when I helped a colleague conduct a test for 300 students.

I hope to take my first picture soon. Thanks for reading.

Silver Lining Around Dark Clouds

This happen 3 months ago back in Lagos. Don't tell my sister Ooo ;-)

I had a very short night. Just 2 hours of sleep. Woke up and began answering calls, replying messages and I needed a very good reward for my labour. So I taught of a really nice meal. That might not be the best option for you, but yam and egg will make it to my top ten count down anyday. It has been on my Forbes...

I wanted to fry egg. So I broke the egg into a bowl, added ground pepper, added salt, getting ginger and garlic spice, I sliced onions into it.

So I reached frying pan and placed it on the cooker and wanted to light the fire. I thought I should put vegetable oil before putting the cooker on. So I reached for the bottle of oil was very empty.

I was blank for a moment, then disappointed and almost angry. But an idea popped up!

So I invented a new recipe. Femza Eggies... Zero-fat, zero cholesterol, very healthy...

Step one: boil water. Make sure to use a pot large enough to contain your bowl.

Step two: lower bowl of egg mixture into boiling water. Avoid too much water that can sink your bowl and spill your egg. Don't allow actual Water to enter the bowl since it intention is to stream not boil. Cover the whole pot so that little or no steam escapes. This will help the speed of cooking.

Boil until it becomes solid

Viola.

You may serve scattered or whole.

Goes with everything you can eat with fried egg. You may also eat it alone with a cup of tea, it is quite healthy.

Enjoy your day and learn to make the best out of every moment even the most disappointing ones.

Meet My Host Community Part2

I went to the market with 2 of my colleagues. The first interesting sight is the burukutu spots. There are as many burukutu spots as there are fruit sellers. It looked cream in colour and didn't smell differently. You'd be wondering why I'm so fascinated. I've only heard about it, im seeing it for the first time.

As you can trust, food is cheap and fruits are fresh. A fried regreted buying 150 soup ingredients. As I am writing, he's not done with it. I saw some oranges, they were almost spotless. They bore the semblance of the shoprite (imported) oranges not like the ones we eat in Lagos where the oranges are like map of the world with green seas and yellow continents.

I tried out the kwulikwuli and I realised what i've been missing. Crunchy, fresh, tasty and cheap. I hope I'm forgiven if I take more than what I'm supposed to take for my lifetime.

I tried out the akara too. I bought 20 naira's worth and saw 6 blazing hot pieces. That's like a miracle. The interesting part was, the pepper they sprinkled. All these for 20 Naira? I think I'll recommend that in this cold weather. Despite the fact that it was cold and dry, I was sweating after 6 hot akaras.

I decided to go price roasted chicken laps and I heard 250. In my heart I asked.thousand or naira. I scanned the table and saw all the condiments waiting to be added as soon as the transaction is done. I concluded that, wren I want to do "be happy", I just come here.

I will definitely have a great time.

Meet My Host Community

Yesterday, I decided to go watch a fellow "corper" take his revsion class. It was quite interesting. I learnt a number of things and made some strategic changes to how I'll handle my own classes. I am excited that my own class wouldn't be the first. I wanted to have an idea of the profile of the students. Thank God I got that.

Initially, I was afraid that i'd have to translate every word into Hausa. This wouldn't have been funny because I'm still making silly mistakes like saying "good morning" in the evening. It is interesting to know that they speak well. That reminded me the people this part of the nation have the best diction for English language. No wonder Cyril Stoba is still a choice presenter on NTA network service.I love the way they pronounce their words.

I can say every preconceived idea I had about them has changed. It is a complete community bearing every feature of the so called urban community. Students using headphones, viewing centers, cyber cafés around, students do assignment and submit via email. Honestly, this would be more fun than I anticipated. I look forward into the heart of the matter.

One more thing worthy of note is their hunger and thirst for God. My colleague led a prayer and I decided to look around, all heads were bowed and eyes closed. You can hardly get that kind of hunger down south. I trust that God will help me appropriate such desire so it isn't harnessed for the wrong use. They are potential firey foxes that can set the nation ablaze

I Feel Like I'm Holding My Breadth Under Water

Returning home for the Christmas break was great relief. It was as though I had held my breadth for over a month and had just found my way to the surface of the pool. Indeed the relief was great. It was great to be back in an environment that you are more familiar with. One doesn't have to be extra careful to leave in peace. At home you can hardly offend anyone by having a great time unlike camp where a little thing could be a taboo for someone from another part of the country.

As the break is now over, my head is filled with thoughts. There is a mixed feeling in my heart. Joy about the new experiences and anxiety about the unknown; anticipation for opportunity and caution for the sake of safety; Feeling of liberty makes me want to loose myself and the sense of responsibility that helps me add caution. All these flood my little head.

Now, I have a feeling I'm climbing up to the surface from which i'm going to take a dive. This time the dive would be deeper than the first. This is not a three weeks dive like the first and it isn't a surface or waist deep pond either. It is a pond deep enough to overwhelm and a stay long enough to be drowned. But I don't have to be overwhelmed, I don't have to drown. I can learn to breathe under water.

Welcome to the Real Service Year

The Orientation Camp seems to be the most exciting and most anticipated experience during the service year. It is nothing compared to what we now face. At camp you will find clusters of people with similar beliefs and you didn't have to go too far too meet someone from the same school or similar origin. You get your food at regular intervals, you didn't have to worry about what to eat. But here, reverse is the case, you might be a thousand kilometers from your friends, colleagues or kinsmen.

Blending with your environment is not an option, making new friends cannot be negotiated. Learning a new language might be necessary too. You have to drop ethnic prejudice to get the best of the experience.

I must say that all senior corpers who gave us gist and stories did actually leave out a lot of things. It's either they didn't mention anything similar to what we are now facing or we were carried away by the interesting part that we didn't take note of the not so interesting part.

All the same, I bid myself welcome to the real service year. Somehow, it seems I haven't woken up to the reality yet. I still push some things till a more appropriate time. "When the service year starts for real, I'll do this." But honestly, this is it. Time is going by and one more day without what you really want to do is one day less of how long you would do it.

This is officially the third month and time lost cannot be recovered. Fellow corp members, awake to the reality. You're three months into your service year, there's no better time than now to do what you determined to do. Businesses are waiting to be started, lives are waiting to be touched and service is waiting to be done.

Welcome to the real service year!

Add Just One More Day to This Break

If I could make just one request, it would be that one more day is added to our "break." There's just still so much to do. So many people to visit, so many events to attend, so many family members to greet, so many friends to catch up with. So many younger colleagues still have questions. We still have questions for our mentors. But we must proceed, we must continue what we started. We must finish what we began.

Particularly, I'm not so happy I'll be missing the wedding ceremony of a wonderful couple. The husband is a big brother and mentor while the wife is a dear friend and sister. I think this is one great sacrifices for the sake of Nigeria. May the labours and sacrifices, not only of our heroes past, but of the present youths of which I belong not be in vain.

And even if our request was granted and the one day is left with only a few munites we would still hope that another day would be added. We can never be satisfied. The more we get, the more we realise that we need. In order to break a perpetual chain of insatiable desires, we must decide to make a sacrifice.

Lets do this and get it done with. Let this cup quickly pass over and if I had an option I will take it in gulps rather than sips. All the same, I promise I would have a nice time. I will savor every sip and bite; I will squeeze the juice out in every hour and enjoy the flavour of ezch moment.

May God preserve our lives
May God preserve our youth
May God preserve our Nation