Today, I found myself reminiscing about my National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) days, especially the thrilling experience I had visiting Jaji Cantonment in Kaduna and Kantin Kwari Market in Kano State. Despite the language barrier I encountered at some point, this trip was a perfect blend of adventure, friendship, and business.
Journeying On Friday
It was Easter break, 2009, and I had decided to visit my friend, stationed at Jaji Cantonment in Kaduna.
I traveled from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where I was serving, to Kaduna on good Friday. The journey was long and incredibly tiresome, but the excitement to explore a new part of the country overshadowed the fatigue. In fact it was the farthest I'd traveled since my trip to Jos, Plateau, ten years prior, and I was fully geared to make the most of it.
We arrived the park in Kaduna around past 9pm, my friend picked me up, and we headed to the cantonment. That was the beginning of an unforgettable adventure. 😅
Busy And Enjoyable Saturday
After a refreshing night's sleep, Saturday was filled with chores and relaxation. It was a "Cleanship" day, where everyone comes out to clean and beautify their surroundings. It was a great way to meet new people and experience military life firsthand.
After the exercise, my friend and I headed to the Mammy Market (a mini market in military parlance) where we bought some essentials. Coming back, I prepared a delicious Egusi soup which we enjoyed afterwards. The rest of the day was spent on watching movies, chatting, and relaxing. Later in the evening, we took a stroll around the cantonment, exploring the surroundings and locating my church for Sunday's service.
Sundays Reflection
Sunday was a day of worship and rest. My friend was on duty, so I attended mass at the chaplaincy. I enjoyed the solemn worship, and the local songs. Fortunately I knew some of the songs, having been a chorister for many years, so I didn't feel out of place.
Afterward, I returned to the barracks, treated myself to a good meal, and took a well-deserved rest. Thereafter, I prepared Sunday rice and stew.
Sunday rice is a Nigerian tradition that's hard to miss. You know what, it has a special flavor to it, it tastes just differently 😅.
We spent the evening, hanging out with some of his friends at the mammy market.
Monday in Kano
As a youth corps' member, the monthly allowee (allowance) was hardly enough to get by. To supplement my income, I had to get creative. I started selling Ankara fabrics, thrift clothes, and recharge cards. It wasn't easy, but I was determined to make ends meet.
I had heard that Kano was a hub for quality and affordable Ankara and other fabrics, including jewelries and perfumes. Moreover, Kano is relatively close to Kaduna, so as someone who was already selling fabrics, I saw an opportunity to explore this new market. Before then, I would travel from Uyo to Aba, to buy materials at Ekeoha Shopping center, but now I could go straight to the source.
So Monday morning, I set off for Kano, eager to explore the famous Kantin Kwari market, and equally find the best deals. Along the way, I tried some delicious local cuisines - fried chicken dredge and some fried nuts.- I can't recall the name again. It was a tasty introduction to the city.
When I arrived at the park in Kano, I faced a challenge: finding my way to the market. The language barrier proved difficult, as three people I asked couldn't understand me. I knew only few phrases in Hausa - "**Sanu, Yaya de? Yaya yo - Greetings, How are you or how's everything? How's work? **" - which wasn't much help.
Determined not to give up, I approached another person, a lady, and asked for her help in locating the market. This time, I was successful, as she spoke pidgin English, which facilitated our communication. As it turned out, she had also traveled from Kaduna to buy fabric materials. She kindly offered to help me shop and introduced me to an Alhaji, her vendor, who sold quality fabrics at good prices. With her assistance, I selected some beautiful materials, including George wax, Holland wax, High Target, plain and pattern, and more. To top it off, I also handpicked beautiful jewelries and lovely perfumes.
I've held onto this bottle from the pack I bought, as I adore its design and it's still serving me well😂
After a successful day of shopping, we headed to the park and boarded a vehicle back to Kaduna. During the journey, we became better acquainted, and I felt grateful for the chance encounter. She was a kind-hearted person who even offered to assist me with future purchases, suggesting I send her a list of what I needed, and she would have it delivered to me. It was a fantastic deal, saving me time, money, and risk.
Back To Base On Tuesday
Duty beckoned, so on Tuesday morning, I reluctantly bid farewell to Kaduna returning to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, feeling fulfilled after a memorable Easter break holiday.
Years After
As I look back on my Easter trip to Kaduna, and then Kano, I'm reminded of the twists and turns that life can take. After returning to Uyo, I continued with my business venture. However, after completing my service, I secured a steady job, and eventually had to put the business on hold. As it was just a side hustle to supplement my allowance during the service year, I prioritized my more secure job.
At first, I tried balancing both, but the job's demands made it challenging. Additionally, I had relocated to a new environment, making it difficult to restart the business from scratch.
Sadly, the friend and I drifted apart overtime. Such is life. I also lost touch with the kind lady. How I wish I didn't.
Despite the what-ifs, I cherish the memories and lessons learned from that experience. If I could turn back time, I'd likely choose to revisit that business venture and reconnect with old friends. But for now, I'm grateful for the journey that has brought me to where I am today. The future looks even brighter.
Author's Photos