Skip to main content

MY NYSC Chronicles 4 - The Journey to Camp (3)



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 soldiers told us to come down and pack our bags. We were thoroughly searched at the gate, this particular soldier literally emptied my underwear bag. When we entered the camp, we were directed to our respective hostels. I and Kemi went from room to room, searching for empty bed spaces. We found one and immediately set up there. We went to take a long overdue bath, we had officially been on the road for two days. After that, we headed for Mammy Market. It was amazing to see activities still occurring in the market then. I was exhausted, hungry and sleepy. We bought meshai (fried eggs sandwiched in bread) and headed back to the hostel. 

We ate and closed our eyes to get some rest. It was almost 3:30 am. It seemed like I had only slept for a minute when I heard shouting and a loud siren-like noise which I'd later learn was the beagle. I checked my phone, 5 am already? My hostel mates were already dressed in their white polo and shorts while I was still in my pyjamas. Everybody in the room moved with a sense of coordination, everybody except Kemi and I. We were still in our pyjamas! 


NYSC Camp, Kebbi State

I woke Kemi up and we jumped down from our bunk, groggy and still trying to make sense of what was going on. Some female soldiers came into the room shouting and ordered us to follow them out. We met some other people outside waiting, then I understood we were the latecomers for devotion. I could hear singing from a distance. One of the soldiers shouted, "Oya all of you go down and give me ten!"

I stood looking at her and thinking in my mind, "Ejoor five what?" 

Kemi nudged me, "E be like say na frog jump o" 

Then we saw the others hopping and quickly joined them. Men and brethren, that was how we frog jumped to the devotion ground in our pyjamas. It was a funny but not-so-funny! 😩😂


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

DEAR FUTURE HUSBAND

Dear future husband, I've been awake trying to imagine what it'd be like to live with one person for the rest of my life. I don't know if I've met you already, I just wonder if you also think about living with me. I watched The Wedding Party for the third time today and it gives me the same feeling each time. I definitely want to have a dream wedding, which girl doesn't? So I beg you please be responsible. I really hope you're doing something tangible with your life cause am trying my best here. The only thing that scared me in that movie was Broda Banky still asking how he could stick to one person for the rest of his life on the morning of his wedding. Pls I'm begging you in the name of God, figure that out before you even engage me. I cannot come and be crying and be running up and down on heels for that matter. But then am also learning it's more than just having a dream wedding but having a happily ever after marriage. I believe it exists but we b...

Your Picture of You

How do you see you? What do you think of yourself in your heart? What picture do you have of yourself in your mind's eye? The answer to these questions determine to a large extent what your life turns out to be like. It affects everything that concerns you and this is why having a good picture of yourself is necessary. You can never outperform the picture you have of yourself. There'll always be a synergy between what image is on the inside and the action produced outside. Firstly, your picture of you determines your relationships. Like begets like, and we unconsciously attract people like us. The people around you paint the picture you have of yourself. If you could at this very moment sweep through your friends list in your mind, you would find out that you chose them because there was some sort of bonding between you two which resonated from your inside. And these relationship have at some point influenced certain decisions you've made in life whether good or bad. Ever...

Arise O'Compatriots

Make way, Make way Some things I have to say A few answers from you I pray But first, I hope you enjoy the vacay I wish you would stop the complaints And rise to serve with love and faith Can't you see together we are bound? With one another our strength is found, Have you ever raised a prayer for me, Oh patriots with a noble cause? Did you forget my leaders come from you? What happened to "help the youths know truth"? Why have you become my Jonah? Refusing to guide my heart? Why have you depended on policy, Forgetting the paths of honesty? Why do you think you can lead me, To the land of promise, Forgetting the one who promised? Why have you refused direction From the God of creation? Does it make common sense To sit on a fence and throw stones, When to that fence your house is so close? Both built on your father's land? Awake, O sleeping giants For in you lies my triumph Arise, O compatriots Let's build me in one accord Arise, O co...