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

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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! 😩😂


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