By Haroon Aremu
Upon graduating from university, I eagerly anticipated joining the mandatory one-year national service with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). I shared my excitement with friends, but not all were keen to join immediately. One friend said he needed to hustle and build his career first. However, I wanted to finish it quickly and move on to my next life phase. So, I registered and subsequently got mobilised for a three-week-long camping/orientation.
Embarking on the journey to join the NYSC is more than just a transition to adulthood; it is a rollercoaster ride filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Call up letter came, and it stated that I was to camp at Niger State, Paikoro local government, Paiko camp, but after that three weeks, I am to complete my service in Abuja. I was happy and prepared to travel, as I had never been to Niger State before. I learned that Niger State is one of the largest states in terms of landmass. I thought about how beneficial it would be for the federal government to collaborate with NYSC and invest in agriculture to empower graduates to develop their futures. This would surely boost the economy at both the federal and state levels.
Before setting off, a friend’s cautionary words lingered in my mind. He chose to prioritise his career over immediate service, urging me to hustle first. However, my eagerness to dive into the experience outweighed any apprehensions. NYSC is a mandatory scheme for all graduates, except those over thirty, who are usually issued an exemption letter.
The night before departure, a subtle warning on the NYSC documentation reminded us not to travel at night—a precaution that resonated deeply. Despite the allure of reaching our destination quickly, we chose safety over haste, breaking our journey when dusk fell. This lesson applies beyond NYSC, reminding us that vigilance is key even in seemingly safe spaces.
As we embarked on our journey, camaraderie filled the air. The sense of unity was palpable while travelling alongside fellow prospective corps members. From shared laughter to prayers for safe travels, each moment cemented the bonds of camaraderie that NYSC fosters. My journey was fascinating, especially with a friend assigned to the same state. “Corpers on board” was boldly written on our vehicle, and the people we passed hailed and prayed for our safe journey. We chatted and played music, making the trip memorable.
Yet, amidst the laughter and anticipation, a stark reality halted us. Amid lush landscapes, armed men appeared—a stark reminder of the world’s unpredictability. It was a wake-up call, underscoring the importance of vigilance even in seemingly serene surroundings. We stopped at a canteen to eat a sumptuous meal, enjoying the privileges of being a corps member. Continuing our journey, we enjoyed the natural beauty of Nigeria’s landscapes.
However, amidst the tension, there were glimmers of hope. Security checkpoints operated by dedicated officers reassured us of their commitment to our safety. Their professionalism and integrity stood as beacons of hope on an otherwise uncertain journey.
The most unexpected twist came when a seemingly menacing encounter turned into a moment of levity. Startled awake by a tap on the shoulder, I found myself face-to-face with an armed security officer, his stern demeanour giving way to a shared joke. In that moment, fear melted into laughter, reminding me that amidst life’s uncertainties, moments of joy abound.
The journey left an indelible mark as we finally arrived at our destination. From cautionary tales to unexpected camaraderie, each moment was a testament to the importance of preparation and vigilance. As I shared my story with my hustling friend, who had chosen a different path, I couldn’t help but wonder what adventures awaited him. For in the journey of NYSC, every twist and turn is a chapter waiting to be written, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the bonds that unite us all. This is the essence of NYSC, preaching national unity and peace.
Apart from the interesting aspects of NYSC, I believe numerous advantages will convince you to join the program. If you want to know the funny joke the officer cracked with me, I guess you should also prepare to go to your NYSC to experience how interesting and memorable the journey was. As long as we take the necessary security precautions and avoid rough driving, NYSC ensures our safety because we are all dear to the government.
Haroon Aremu Abiodun is a youth Corp Member with PRNigeria centre, Abuja and wrote in via exponentumera@gmail.com.