Oyo NYSC camp

By Dr. Ibrahim Hassan Aliyu

On July 10, 2023, I received my deployment letter for the mandatory one-year national youth service in Oyo State. The orientation exercise was scheduled to start on July 12, which coincided with my induction ceremony into the Veterinary Profession. Unfortunately, I couldn’t report to camp that day.

I began my journey from Sokoto (Seat of Caliphate) to Oyo State (Pacesetter State) on July 13 and arrived at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Iseyin Local Government on July 14. After completing my registration, I resumed camp activities the next day. My camp experience was unforgettable; despite the stress, I learned a lot, made many friends, and broadened my horizons in all aspects of life.

On August 1st, we had our passing-out parade, and I was posted to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in Ibadan North Local Government. Later, I was reposted to Clucky Livestock Farms Limited, a reputable organization in Ido Local Government, Ibadan South zone.

While travelling from the University of Ibadan to the Oyo State Secretariat for the World Rabies Day procession, organized by the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA, Oyo State Chapter), I received a call from someone with an American accent requesting a meeting. He offered a deal, which I accepted, and we scheduled a visit to the site.

The following day, I visited Clucky Farms Limited, a world-class poultry farm and chicken processing plant with a marketing unit. The company provides conducive accommodation, a lovely environment, growth opportunities, freedom of religion, staff equality, and a dedicated team committed to transforming the livestock industry and achieving food security.

The Managing Director/Chairman, Mr. Olawale Adeyemo Adewale, is a humble, generous, and approachable leader who has taught me valuable skills, including leadership and decision-making. He impressed me with his punctuality, arriving 15 minutes before our meeting time.

On Saturday, October 7, he picked me up from my initial residence at Ikolaba and drove me to my new accommodation at Clucky in his SUV. This gesture of humility from the Managing Director/Chairman of the company exemplifies his generosity and approachability. He is an amiable leader with a strong sense of equality, sincerity, dedication, and a knack for solving complex problems. He is highly resourceful and eager to learn.

Working with him has given me life-changing opportunities and skills, including leadership and decision-making. I consider myself the luckiest NYSC member in Oyo State, a sentiment shared by my friends and colleagues who have visited me. I am deeply grateful to Mr. Olawale and the entire Clucky Family for making my stay an incredible experience.

In addition to my primary assignment, I participated in the Community Development Service (CDS) at the Local Government level in the Freedom of Information and Awareness (FOIA) syndicate. I served under Mrs Ajijola Taiwo Joan, a devout and iconic Local Government Inspector (LGI). Her departing words, “Don’t ever allow anybody to shed tears because of you,” continue to guide me.

I appreciate my State Coordinator, Comrade Odoba Abel Oche (Mr. Wisdom), whose speech inspired me to write and reflect. My sincere thanks also go to Mrs. Bola Obarinde, the Local Government Inspector (LGI) of Ibadan North 1, the Zonal Inspector of Ibadan North zone, and the entire NYSC community in Oyo State.

I extend my gratitude to my family, the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) Oyo State Chapter, MCAN Family, MARD Oyo State, and everyone who made my service year prosperous and memorable. Serving in Oyo State was a distinct and rewarding experience.

Ibrahim Hassan Aliyu writes from Sokoto.