Hello ladies,
The month of March turns out to be fantastic. Help me celebrate completing my mandatory service of one year.
In my home country of Nigeria, all college grads under the age of 30 are mandated by law to work in some capacity for the government. It's a requirement that grads leave their home states for temporary work stints elsewhere. In my home country of Nigeria, there are three main ethnic groups: the Hausa, the Yoruba, and the Igbo. The National Youth Service Program's primary objective was to encourage harmony and cooperation between the country's three major ethnic groups.
After finishing my degree at Rivers State University, I decided to join the National Youth Service Corps. I applied despite my reservations about joining because I had no idea where I would be posted. Of course, I did apply last year, and when the posting letters arrived, I was thrilled to learn that I would be moving to IMO state, a neighboring state to Rivers state. Unfortunately, IMO state was not a safe one in which to live. Envision spending a full year in a state where the murder rate and kidnapping rate are both extremely high. Well, I had faith in God's provision, and I was set on giving back to Nigeria in whatever way I could. Ultimately, I decided to try out 21days camping. As far as I'm concerned, camp was the very definition of Hell on Earth. There was no relief in sight, as the lack of food, electricity, and punishment had become intolerable. The setting was dreary, and I prayed constantly that the 21 days would pass quickly. Instead, they seemed to drag on for what seemed like an eternity.
At the end of the 21 days, I started working at an environmental firm in Owerri. Many of you are probably familiar with the PPA stories that led to my assignment there.
The wonderful friends I made during my service year were one of the best parts of the experience. In my experiences, I've come across sincere people who have shown me genuine affection. My year of service has been bittersweet; I had hoped it would last much longer, but alas, it has already lasted that long.
The state of the country is very bad, and many Nigerians are angry with Corpers because they believe the recently concluded presidential elections were rigged with the help of Corpers. As a result, we were told not to put on uniforms for our safety, but I decided to wear it to celebrate my passing out ceremony anyway.
Above is a picture of Daniel, one of many wonderful people I met in Owerri who helped make my time there memorable. Thanks to God for protecting us and loving us, I am simply grateful that we were able to take part in the graduation ceremony.
Join me in rejoicing because I made it to the end of my service year, whereas others did not.