I applied for NYSC almost at the deadline for registration, while I applied , I really prayed and hoped to serve in Abuja or Nasarawa because of a degree program I registered for in Federal polytechnic Nasarawa, it was a part time certificate program, this was to enable me do my service while simultaneously studying for my degree program, by virtue of faith and God’s acceptance of my Life pursuit I was posted to Abuja for my service year, I arrived early at the orientation camp, this was a day before registration started, when registration started, I assisted with the registration , meanwhile one of the NYSC official took note of how I worked to enable a stress free registration for all intending corps members as well as ensuring maximum comforts especially for the ladies, the next day, he immediately said to me ‘’ you will be the hostel Governor’’ this is the biggest hostels in the orientation camp. But as a politically conscious person, I already saw there were other positions in camp, and I didn’t want to holding the position of hostel governor becoming an impediment to the other envisioned positions I had in mind. All efforts to decline this great position proved abortive as he was so sure I was perfect for the post. Without having a choice, I accepted it with the realization that ‘’You do not lead by your position, rather you lead by the strength of your ideas’’. It is true that I governed the most populated hostel in camp, but what is also true is that my leadership skills distinguished me and I was always a top pick when it came to leading others and addressing issues, this was the major reason I became the governor of all governors in camp. I was pro-active, participated in all platoons activities, and was consulted by other platoons as regards how best they could represent my ethnicity and culture, One very distinguished quality of a leader is being able to identify a problem and most importantly finding solution to the problem, and that was one of the very first move I made, I found out there was no mirror in the hostel and while we all got dressed for our various activities, people are usually unable to check through a reflective to correct every detail about their dressing, in the NYSC camp, they prioritize and emphasize on appropriate dressing , for this project to become a reality , I dedicated my first allowance of 33,000 with an addition back to the federal government but for direct service to Corp members by providing a big mirror placed just at the ground floor in the hostel.
One very vital benefit of being the hostel governor was that it kept me away from a lot of stress, I had the privilege of not doing a lot of rigorous exercise and even if I did, it was willingly, I was also a member of the Orientation Broadcasting service (OBS) I helped in writing and editing articles and broadcasting. The camp food was nice, but sometimes I explored the foods in the camp market, that was how I became addicted to this particular drink, it was a mist smoothie of different fruits, it became my favorite drink in camp. The soldiers were cool, and I was practically friends with almost everyone, I had the popular camp love thing, we liked each other but unfortunately it didn’t extend beyond camp. There were a lot of opportunities to get posted to my desired organization for my place of primary assignment (PPA) by virtue of being a member of the OBS and the Hostel Governor.
I got posted to Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation ( NDIC ) and immediately, I went there to get my acceptance letter and behold I was asked if I know anybody there, I was just mustering the courage to answer that question when I heard the second one ‘’why did you work your posting to NDIC’’, I was dumbfounded at the questions I was asked because I really didn’t understand why such questions were the foundation upon which my acceptance relied upon, it wasn’t about how articulated or how good you are dressed , it was more about WHO YOU KNOW. As one who has dedicated his life to the struggle for a better Nigeria, along the line, I have made friends and built network with people who without second guessing will come to my aid whenever I called, I had to put a call across for intervention and immediately, I was told to come and collect my acceptance letter. It was indeed an epiphany that building network with people is very important and I am entirely grateful to these set of people who made sure that I served in NDIC.
Serving in NDIC proved to be one of the best decisions I ever made, as I had previously vacilitated on where to serve before I finally went with NDIC, I was lucky to be redeployed to the Strategic development department (SDD) and the director Mrs. Stella Henshaw was very nice, just like the way a mother would be to her son, I felt at home, they were receptive and welcoming, this created an environment that enable me to thrive in my work , as I was not only creative or assisting administratively, I also became innovative as well. As much as I was really welcomed into the organization, I never let it get to my head, I was never imperious or caught sprouting, I would always go to work each day looking suave with the determination to find solutions to the various problems in my work place, and that was how I discovered a loophole in the vehicle requisition form (VRF/PMSD) a tiny detail but is capable of altering an information, so I wrote a proposal to proffer solution to the existing problem, my director was amazed at my proposal and further pushed it to the performance improvement unit (PIU) to ensure the implementation of the proffered solution. This reminds me of the fact that sometimes it falls upon a generation to make history, perhaps looking at this case study from NDIC, it fell upon me to change the status quo and make a change and that was exactly what I did.I was exhilarated to serve in NDIC , this was evident in my punctuality to work, as I was always the first person to clock in for a month or so on the call members attendance, there were days of free sumptuous meals and stipends, the life of a call members is quite difficult you know, especially when fuel subsidy price was removed, However this gestures further motivated and encouraged me to put in all efforts to achieve desired results , one very notable kindness I received from my workplace was during my convocation in November 2023, they offered to pay my t- fare to Benin , I was really overwhelmed , and for a moment I realized how great it is to be God’s Favorite. Also during the Christmas period, I got a lot of cash and material gifts from Staffs of my departments to enjoy the festive period and of course I will not forget the retreat I went to at Zuma Resort in Niger State courtesy NDIC, it was my first time there, it was indeed pleasurable, it was a buffet accompanied with great comfort, I supported the staff to ensure that the 4 days retreat went as planned.
My community development service (CDS) was scheduled on Fridays, I was in one of the most disciplined and effective community development services (CDS) groups,’’ Financial inclusion’’, We advocated about financial literacy and consciousness to market women , individuals and schools, as part of our commitment to sharing this knowledge, I was a chief judge in the debate competition organized by the CDS group , where I was really astonished with the performance of young minds , it was a keenly contested debate ,as much they enjoyed our presence and aspired to be like us some day, I was also engulfed in their level of wisdom and efficiency in speech indeed I can confidently say Nigeria would and must be great . I was able to finish my National diploma in the Federal polytechnic Nasarawa and also complete my National Youth Service call (NYSC).
My appreciations extends to a wide range of people, first and foremost to God almighty who gave me the strength, the zeal and the wisdom to finish, it became hard at some point , but then the strong gets going, I also want to appreciate my parent and siblings whose goodwill and prayers supported me in every way I could never imagine , my heartfelt gratitude goes to very many persons but to mention a few ,Mrs. Lilian Salami, Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, she has been there for me and doesn’t second guess to come to my aid. I would also like to appreciate Dcn. Festus Osagibovo, Director general Edo Liaison Office, Abuja, he has been like a father figure to me in Abuja and beyond. Mr. Imade of NDIC, the director of ITD department who also happens to be an alumnus of the university of Benin and hails from Edo state. Mrs. Busayo my CDS officer, Mrs. Rashida, Mr. Mohammed, Dr Mrs. Ochonogor and to all SDD, NDIC staffs and fellow corps members I really appreciate them for the show of Love and mentorship.
And the last but so not the least, my fellow stakeholders call members Dignity, Daniel, Alfred, Victoria and Valerie, I really want to appreciate you guys for the genuine friendship and all the remarkable memories we have made together.