My Journey Through NYSC Three Weeks Orientation Camp At Eziama-Obaire In Imo State- Part 1

Creation Story
After a gruesome Civil war in Nigeria, the military head of state General Yakubu Gowon, desperate for an initiative that would foster unity amongst Nigerians said Hey! Why don’t we create a scheme whereby fresh graduates are the opportunity to visit other parts of Nigeria and learn more about the diversity of the nation all the while fostering unity and serving the nation. Great Idea! And so it happened in 1973. That decree is still law till this day. 

Finally!!!

Honestly, this blog post is a good five months overdue but so was my service year. After my final papers in 2018, I had to wait impatiently for my results to be processed and released before I could proceed for my service year.

Basically, over time, NYSC has served as proof that you actually graduated from the university. Hence the hype from Nigerian parents. 

 The one year delay I experienced goes to show how tedious public school in Nigeria can be but that’s a story for another day. 

Today we focus on my NYSC camp experience. I received NYSC call up with indifference. I honestly did not care about being a Corper for me the entire scheme was unnecessary and was a medium for people to hook up- Boy how I rolled my eyes growing up and hearing stories of Corper shun love. 

First Day At The Orientation Camp 

My first day at the orientation camp was one of jittery. I was posted to Eziama Obaire, Nkwerre local government area, Imo state. Where is that? I do not know. Which is the great thing about the scheme you go to places in Nigeria you have never been to before and interact with people from different backgrounds and tribe? This singular experience was not only enlightening but sad for me. This I shall reveal as we journey down memory lane.

I found my way with great help from my mother (please don’t ask how), from Delta state I journeyed through Rivers to get to Imo then took another bus going to warehouse road and then another bus that would stop me at the junction leading to the camp.

Quick side note;  Please endeavour to carry a bag that will fit all the things you need instead of carrying extra luggage. It just makes things easier. I went along with some provisions and extra whites. I honestly do not know what filled my bag but I journeyed with two small bags which for me was a mistake. Please do not forget to carry a thick WHITE sweater for the cold mornings. Only God knows how my eyes watered when I go out in the cold early morning for assembly. Please do not make the same mistake. If you can't get a white sweater, carry a green sweater instead. Any other colour of sweater shall be confiscated please take note. 

I arrived at the campground after a long journey on a motorcycle. At the camp gate, we were searched by the law officials provided. My items confiscated included a fork and an electrical extension( It felt like the power to have a fully charged phone was stripped away) when I got on the phone later with my sister I was a bit mad that she forgot to give such vital piece of information that we were not allowed to charge phones in the dormitory provided.

 Apparently, charging phones, power banks and other electrical appliances is big business in camp. Charging your phone costs fifty naira whilst charging a  power bank costs one hundred naira. 

After dropping my bag and choosing a bed space I went ahead for further registration along with my documents that included a statement of result, call up letter, medical report, green slip etc. To be honest, the registration process was not as jam-packed and stressful from the stories I was told.  I expected tears and sweat from the gate.  But it was all easy breezy. In a few minutes, I already got my NYSC kit and barely seeing the jungle boots my platoon master passed to me I could tell that it definitely was not a size 37 for my little feet. It was a size 40. I did n’t complain as my platoon officer passively handed the oversized items to me. Although I had already heard stories on how to exchange big kit items. You either go back to the store after registration or quickly find someone to exchange with. I did. My very large white tennis shoes were immediately switched to a small one by a very tall and enthusiastic boy. And for my uniform, I already kept money aside for the amendment. The tailors were already on my neck about slim fitting. I dropped my uniform for the amendment and went to my hostel hoping to get good sleep all the while mad that the information I provided during my registration concerning the size of my shoes were utterly disregarded. 

 I ignored a tip from the lady amending my trouser that I should remain in my mufti or else I would be forced to go rehearse the parade for the swearing-in ceremony.

Big mistake immediately I sat on my bed. A soldier walked into the female hostel ordering everyone to put on their white shirt and shorts and assemble at the field. My mouth went dry, tears threatened to fall when she barked out her orders I protested in a small voice that had an underlying message of please just let me breathe. I said to her "I just got here". 

She looked at me and said she gave me 2 minutes to dress up. Or she would pour water on me. Whatever happened to females uplifting each other?

 We were in camp for paramilitary training and she was well within her rights but I hated her till this day for that brief encounter. 

I dressed up, my shoe felt like I was working barefooted and I just really wanted to rest my back. 

 "Are you pregnant?" She asked stopping me on my tracks by the hostel door. 

“No” I responded. 

"Are you on your period? " I could see she felt pity for me but she had to be firm.

“NO “ I responded fighting the urge to yell in her face.

"Okay go." She said almost too softly. 

I knew that she meant well but I decided to overthink things.  In my head, I thought; Did this lady just body shame me because I think we are on the same boat heading for the gym.

 It took the following day during the morning assembly for me to fully understand that the health and safety of corps members were paramount to the scheme and they could not afford me fainting. I learnt but I still did not care, I hated her and as punishment, I did not bother to learn her name. Her real name and alias everyone called her in the camp was shut out of my memory.