I entered the NYSC Orientation camp with a mixed feeling of hope and fulfillment, I was among the first set of people to arrive in camp, this was because I didn’t want to have too much stress with crowd during registration and I was also really looking forward to the entire experience, not wanting to miss out on anything, after all registrations were done, my state code was generated and immediately I headed for my platoon, I was told the last digit of my state code is my platoon and luckily I happened to be the first person to register with my platoon officer, this made me ended up assisting with registration of my fellow intending corps members into the platoon, this was a deliberate act to ease the stress of others, my Platoon officer was obviously encouraged by my humanitarian service and unknowingly to me, she recommended me to be examined for the position of Corps Camp Director, to this effect, I was invited via SMS to appear at the camp secretariat the following day of which I was a bit scared initially because there was no reason stated on the invite. On getting to the camp secretariat the following day, I saw other corps members I quickly asked them what was going on and they said they got a text too at that moment I was now very calm since there was no cause for worry. After a while, one of the camp officials came and told us the reason we were invited and immediately brought out typed theory questions for an impromptu exam and after the exam we did a follow up oral interview before the leadership/authority of the Camp, this was to enable the NYSC officials select people with leadership orientation and skills. We were 10 in number that took this exam, and they were to select just three. After the various exams, they released the result the same day and I was among the 3 people selected as a corps camp director.
It became a different ball game entirely as I became a role model corps member should try to emulate in discipline and otherwise. I had the privilege of addressing corps member during my morning routines/prayers , welcoming official guests into the camp , had the opportunity to give a closing remark on a very important occasion where I encouraged the corps member to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and to also be a good ambassador of the NYSC scheme. We were at that time the 50th Anniversary corps members. We had a lot of distinguished guest come to visit us in the camp and I had the privilege of welcoming them into the camp, I had interviews with the press about our experience so far in camp, the daily routines were overwhelming but the preference I enjoyed in camp duly compensated the stress I went through. Not to forget, I was also a part of the singers during the early morning prayers.
I was posted to a restricted PPA known as The ‘’Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing System For Agricultural Lending’’ (NIRSAL PLC), of-course it was the organization I wanted and I immediately went there to get my acceptance letter and unfortunately, I was rejected at first sight, but this is where my contribution to Nation Building opened a closed door for me , I was able to put a call across to some people who have witnessed my contribution to nation building and has in one way mentored me to intervene for me , their intervention paved way for me and I was called back to collect my acceptance letter. NIRSAL PLC literarily de-risk Agriculture and Facilitate Agribusiness, I was conscious of the fact that there was a lot to learn and more importantly, I was open to learning, There is something about being posted to an organization you want, the zeal and motivation to work is always intrinsic. I was further posted to a business unit
within the NIRSAL PLC called ‘’Agricultural Value Chain Production Integration Services (AVCPIS) this was where I learnt the rudiments of agriculture ranging from the upstream to the midstream, to the downstream. Special thanks to my line Manager, Mrs. Latifah A. Lawal, a wonderful personality who was really interested in my growth and self- development in the organization, she mentored me in management, work ethics and professionalism. This gave birth to the opportunity to develop a value chain, which I worked in Aquaculture, did a lot of presentations, it was a wonderful experience I must confess. I judiciously used my time, took courses from Agri-business to environmental management and governance, to water safety and a lot more.
I was a member of the Financial Inclusion Community Development Group (CDS) we advocated on financial education, sensitizing the populace on budgeting, one notable project we did was a presidential debate at Government Day Secondary School, Caro, where I moderated the program as the MC. It was another avenue for me to contribute to Nation Building.
My gratitude extends to a whole range of people but let me first acknowledge the presence of the divine being, God, who saw me through the entire duration of the NYSC year, my appreciation goes to my amazing family, I want to specially thank them for their prayers, love and support, it was the foundation upon which I thrived in my difficult times. Mrs. Latifah A. Lawal of NIRSAL PLC who took me as a mentee, I am entirely grateful for the guidance and direction, it was indeed a light to all the beautiful steps I took in NIRSAL. My sincere appreciation also goes to to Barr. Luqman Bello & Mrs. Bintu for making transportation easy. I so much appreciate. I also appreciate Mr. Bello of AVCFIS, Mr. Garuba & Mr. Hashim of Internal Audit, In no particular order I want to appreciate all AVCPIS Staff members for making my stay worthwhile from Mr. Aliu Gana, Mrs. Amina, Mrs. Ada, Mrs. Samirah Agulu, Mr. George Odiachi, Mr. Ofili, Mr. Chuka, Mrs. Hassana, Miss Khadijah, Mrs. Chongdah, Mrs. Maryam, Mr. Mubarak, Mr. Bello, Mr. Nasiru, Mrs. Baratu, Miss Ijeoma, Mrs. Fareedah, Mrs. Onerno, Madam Maureen, Mrs. Fatima Othman, Mr. Umar, Daniel’s mum, Mr. Labaran, Mr. Musa, Miss Aisha, Mrs. Adaku Mrs. Fatima, Mr. Etim, Mr. Ahmed, Mr. Baba and my wonderful AGM who was inspirational Mr. Suleiman Abdullahi. God will bless you all.
I want to also appreciate the amazing NYSC Officials who I worked with as Corps Camp Director in 2023 Batch A Stream 2 orientation course in Abuja. Alhaji A. Suleiman (then NYSC FCT Coordinator) now at the National Headquarters, God bless you sir, to my wonderful Camp Director Mrs. Chris-Moneke Chika Tochi, Capt. Nura Maiwada (Camp Commandant) Head of NDLEA, Dr. Mrs. Abimbola Dada Jacobs, Mr. Unogwu Jacobs, Mrs. Jackson C. E ( Head of OBS), Mrs. Delphina Exe (SAED Mama) Barr. Nnenna Iwotor, Mr. Alex Akpana (Head of Police) and my mummy Mrs. Glory Obioha (Rt. Director of NYSC). It was a great privilege to have been able to learn and work alongside you all. God bless.
To my friends of inestimable value just to mention a few, Alfred, Foster, Dignity, Victoria and Valerie, I am deeply grateful for the Laughter’s and good friendship. Onto the next. See you at the top!
CONGRATULATIONS sir.
I tap from your grace
What an incredible journey you shared and I am honored to have been a part of it. Your dedication to service and nation-building are admirable. Your appreciation for the support and mentorship you’ve received speaks volumes about your character. Keep being selfless and may success always accompany you on your journey ahead. Here’s to continued success and growth, the top we go!
Congratulations sir, as the saying goes a leader will definitely submerge wherever he/she will be… unto the next for you and I pray God continue to pave way and enlighten your path.