MY NYSC EXPERIENCE BY UWANDU GEORGE

I remember my secondary school years like it was just yesterday and my admiration for the corps members posted to my school for their primary assignment, I loved how smart they appear on their uniform and their spirit of comrade just like a family.

I saw them as a special sect of people and hoped that one day I would eventually be like them, upon completion of my secondary school education, I travelled to further my education in computer science in one of the owed university in United Kingdom (University Of Derby) Malaysia campus.
Upon my home coming as a foreign university graduate, my parents reminded me again of the importance of embarking on the National youth service corps program if I am to achieve anything in the Nigeria work force. I thought about it, remembering my long ago wish, I decided to summon the courage to take the first giant stride to serve my father land and went ahead with the registration and mobilization in October 2014. With a successful application and my degree under my belt, I hoped and prayed to get posted to one of the big cities like Abuja or Port Harcourt because of the fear of being posted to the North or any other crises plagued state in Nigeria. Fortunately, I found myself posted to Oyo State in the western part of Nigeria.

 My NYSC experience began on 4th November 2014, at the Iseyin orientation Camp, Oyo state. I arrived a day before the camp resumption because I came all the way from Imo state. The next day, the grand adventure began with us forming a queue and the soldiers ordering us to "double up" while carrying our luggages on our head. After which we queued up, one of the soldiers named commander Yakubu came to me and said to me that I've a nice statue, he would like me to command the whole parade in camp, I smiled and said ok but inside me I was like what's this officer saying then he took my phone number and called me next morning to prepare me for the task ahead.

I asked myself, does it mean I'm going to command over two thousand corps members in camp? Wow! then I realized it wasn't gonna be easy, then I remembered what my mummy told me "that whenever I am in a new city/country I should pray and take charge of that land" so I prayed over everything that will happen in camp and I would say God heard my prayers. Here am I now a parade commander in camp of corpers, a positive start that distinguished me among my fellow corps members in Oyo state. I was trained how to command like a soldier. I had the privilege to salute the governor of Oyo state senator Abiola Ajimobi represented by commissioner for youth & sports Umar Farouk and also the director general of Nysc Brigadier-General Johnson Bamidele Olawumi FSS MSS CM psc(+) fdc, who were present in camp. I wasn't just the over all parade commander, but also I emerged the winner of the prestigious camp competition (Mr.Macho) which was sponsored by Airtel Nigeria, a telecommunication industry. I will also not forget to appreciate our platoon inspector officer Mrs Kolade and my fellow platoon seven corps members for their wonderful support during the contest, which was the most memorable moment for me in camp. Then after three weeks of orientation in Camp 26th November was the day we all had to depart to our various places of primary assignments, then at same time everyone was curious to see their posting letter. Behold when I received mine, and it was to a secondary school (Oladipo Olayande science grammar school Oke Bola, Ibadan) it was like letting the dog out of the chain but Of Course the journey didn't end there. I had to go and report at my PPA the next day with my posting letter but unfortunately when I got there the vice principal academics of the school happily welcomed me, I presented my letter to her she told me the school have a lot of computer science corpers that do I mind if she reject my appointment, I quickly responded ok madam I don't mind because I have always wanted to serve in a company.
I left the school immediately and went on to hunt for another PPA. Someone advised me to try Zartech limited at Oluyole, I went straight to the company which is currently the largest poultry farm in west Africa to seek for reposting, unfortunately  I was still rejected the second time. I was really angry I refused to leave the company premises. I sat down at the lobby thinking of were else to go when I didn't even know anywhere in Ibadan. While I was still there thinking what's next, a young lady who I later realized she was a batch B 2014 corp member walked up to me and ask me if everything was ok with me. I told her I came for reposting but I was rejected. She went inside the office, with the influence of her father in the company; they helped me to secure my reposting at Zartech limited.
And it’s been wonderful working with the computer department crew; so far I have acquired a lot of knowledge and great experiences. My gratitude goes to my wonderful Boss Mr. Alu Olatawura the man with a "big heart". He taught me a lot on practical aspect of computer science like fixing the CCTV cameras, network configuration/maintenance and lots more, also not forgetting my lovely colleagues that have always been there for me with all the moral support, fun times and above all teaching me how to speak Yoruba "soro ni yen"

 I did my community development service (CDS) with the ROAD SAFETY CLUB Eleyele, under the leadership of commander Adeniyi Gbadebo it was a nice experience.

I am also blessed to have a wonderful family of God, Global harvest which is off liberty road Ibadan, where I have been spiritually equipped and worshiped for the past one year.
I give God the glory for making me what I am today, also for sparing our lives throughout the service year, because not everyone of us finished this journey but still hoping and believing that he will take me up again to soar higher like a precious eagle as I continue to live my life in Christ my saviour and may he continue to bless us all. Amen!
I came; I obeyed the clarion call, under the sun and in the rain.

Ø  Long live Nigerian Corpers.

Ø  Long live Oyo state/Ibadan South West.

Ø  Long live Zartech Limited, while live’s journey continue.

   ***Thanks Uwandu for sharing your experience with us. more pictures below