KiKi's LAIR

He was gone for about ten minutes during which we contemplated coming down from the vehicle and running, but to where? It was about 12:30 am, and civilization was nowhere near, who could arrive at camp by. So we sat still and prayed earnestly in our hearts that he had only just gone to answer nature's call.  When he showed up, we apprehensively looked to see if there was anyone following him. Fortunately, he was alone. He entered the driver's seat, muttered what seemed like an apology and we continued the journey. The sigh of relief was audible even as we kept wondering how much longer the journey would take us.  About thirty minutes later, we saw lights coming from a direction and as we approached it, we saw army barricades and then a checkpoint. The soldiers were somewhat hostile as they flagged us down as we drew closer. I wouldn't blame them anyway, who could arrive at camp by 2 am in the morning. Finally, we saw the camp gate. Joy like a river in my soul!  The soldie...

We had begun the journey about six hours earlier and the bus broke down somewhere at Nsukka, Enugu. It was almost 10 pm and everywhere was quiet. Just a few shops were open in what looked like a minipark and we hurried to go see what we could buy to snack on for the long night ahead. About 30 minutes later, we were on the move again and I went back to sleep. At about 1: 00 am, Stephen tapped me to consciousness. The bus had broken down again. This time we were heading towards Kogi. Everywhere still smelt the same, of sweat and so many other things I couldn’t even comprehend. It was suffocating. I had earlier engaged in an argument with one of the 'attachees' (people who paid to stand on the aisle because they couldn’t afford a sit) who insisted on sitting on the arm of my chair and leaning unto me. "Oga, you dey rest on my body nah" He responded in his native tongue and I immediately knew arguing with him was pointless as he could not even understand what I was sayin...

Kebbi state!  I was posted to Kebbi state, as in the last state in the northwestern part of Nigeria! I know I was a drama queen but I never imagined I would be queen of the north someday. All the excitement I had built about NYSC and camp life quickly vanished. Hot premium tears filled my eyes and began running down my face as  I called my parents. They didn't even know how to react, my dad said to look on the brighter side, at least I was born there. but then, how was that even supposed to make me feel better? I had prayed so earnestly for months about my posting and now this? I was so disappointed, to say the least.  The next day, I began trying to make contact with other prospective corps members that had been posted to the north via Telegram. At this point, I just have to say, thank God for social media because what would I have done? I eventually joined a group of people in Southeastern Nigeria who had been posted to Kebbi. I was able to link up with about three othe...

I wanted to document my experience as a youth corp member. My NYSC year was filled with a lot of twists and turns, with happy, sad, and really scary moments sandwiched within. The challenges I encountered and the experiences I had were just too unique for me not to document, so this would be the first of the series. Enjoy!  I went to the Federal University of Technology, Owerri where I studied Science Laboratory Technology. After my final project in November, I went back to Lagos to go and rest and eat my mommy's food. I used to be among those “first to finish" groups, so once I heard clearance had started, I rushed back to school. This was in April, and I wanted to be called up with Batch B, which was to go in July.  After all the wahala that comes with final year clearance in a federal school, I went for the final process that would qualify me for NYSC only to find out I didn't have a major document - my admission letter from JAMB. I actually did have the document but i...

I know that Anthony Joshua got nothing on you when you get into your work mode like this, Oga of productivity, slugging it out 5 hours nonstop. Well, let me tell you something, it's yourself you're doing o, no one else. Taking breaks is a nonnegotiable aspect of working. Even God took breaks when He was creating the world. Which project are you now working on that you'll not rest? Rest is important and necessary to improve the quality of your output.  Here are five reasons why you should take breaks in between work Taking breaks relieves stress and helps your mental health and well-being. While hard work is important, your brain can get saturated at some point if you work for long hours without taking a break and this could trigger the release of negative emotions. Taking breaks will help you relieve stress and improve your general well-being.  Increases productivity  Rest increases your productivity and helps your mind refocus.  It also increases creativity and rest...