In Nigeria, Immediately after graduation, Graduates are mandated to undergo a one year service of their fatherland which usually starts with a three weeks orientation camp which is aimed at equipping the young graduate with the knowledge of the scope of the scheme which entirely circles around discipline which is the core backbone any sustainable development is built on.
Well, like everyone else, I had hoped to network well, be everywhere on camp and participate in most of the activities if not all, so I thought. I had arrived Mangu together with my fellow Nyanya platoon members(lol) with all the energy and drive possible, I was going to be MAKINWA here, why not?, At least, I was MCPROMISE in my Alma mater faculty, Unilorin.
Oh wait, I'm sure you don't know where Mangu is? Let’s have a bit of rundown; In November, 2021, I checked online on the official NYSC portal(This is the operational online presence of the scheme where almost all the technical assignments of the scheme is carried out like registration, postings, relocation, etc) to find out that I was posted to Plateau State. For a man that actually wanted the deep deep North, I concluded plateau State was for me and Indeed I was ready to hop on the next car going straight to plateau State, And like you can imagine, I was so buzzed and so happy that the next phase is starting.
Remembered I told you about Nyanya platoon members?, Nyanya platoon members comprises of Braide, Merith, Mary, Triumph, Sunday, Fifi, James, Friday, myself and a couple of others. These people were the 'gees' I traveled down with to Mangu from Abuja and this first hand orientated me and what NYSC truly embodies. where the Permanent NYSC CAMP is located, A town not to far from the capital, Jos.
Mangu welcomed me with an open arms of cold and really i knew i would actually have a ride with very cold temperature throughout my stay on the plateau.
My registration went all smooth as I went from one point to another following the order made available for us on the slip given to us. The heavy presence of security men calmed all the nerves created by the week in week out news of insecurities I actually got before coming down to Plateau.
Settling down at Mangu came with it's own pros and cons as the weather posed a very peculiar challenge. The weather here is so harsh weather and despite this extreme cold, We still have to come out for morning devotion.
Met great friends also, Maami market was where things happened like buying of food, materials and also flexing.
I joined the marshal band which is a unit in the camp that provides rthyms to the parade of the corp member.
Hostel assortment was done also and I literally met great and wonderful people.
The weather posed a very difficult challenge which saw blood coming out from my nostrils, An experience which was very alien.
The countless lectures which saw us getting enlightened on different issues is also worthy of mentioning particularly SAED lectures which is majorly aimed at equipping the members with soft skills that could help with extra income.
Drills upon drills aimed at improving the physical health of corp members was observed. The man o’war drill stood out for me as guys anf ladies alike were made to do various stuffs.
Overall, The camping experience was very eventful, impacting and exciting experience..