It has always been a dream to serve in Akwa Ibom State. When I checked for my state of deployment; it was a dream come true. Off to NYSC camp at Nsit Atai, the memories remain unforgettable. It was fun all through my stay, with Agholor Christian(big man, Chris Baddo) to hang out with. In the course of the camping, I had arrangements on how to secure a plum posting to a brewery. Indeed, everyone had theirs. However, on the day of the posting (final day in camp), I confidently strolled to receive my letter. Schools were considered a bad posting because they do not pay well and one's chance of being retained after the service year was slim – who would want that anyway! Except, probably, the married women who wanted more free time to take care of their families.
I knew I was getting a brewery posting as PPA, so, no stress. On opening my letter and reading the content, I had to ask someone else to confirm what I saw –Iwerre Comprehensive Secondary School , Obotme. Blood stopped flowing to my head; everything became dizzy. Iwerre Comprehensive Secondary School?Where is that in Akwa Ibom State? That, I asked anyone who cared to listen. Curiosity led me to Kulume Emmanuela, who was also posted to the same school. Without further ado, we set out for Obotme.
First, we got to Ikot Ekpene; the zonal headquarter. There, we sort for details of Obotme from a lady who appeared to have been there and her response was, "Hmmmm, that place far oo and the road no good at all at all. In fact, you people will take a bike". In my head, different thoughts kept popping. "Is this the Akwa Ibom of your dream?" Guess you all know the answer! On bike for 1 hour, we were yet in Obotme.
We got to a place called Ikpe Ikot Okon and the bike man had to stop for us to at least drink water. We continued our journey afterward and arrived about 30 minutes later.
So, I landed in Obotme - some where close to the end of the earth, in Ini LGA of Akwa Ibom State.The people were generally nice and helpful. The youths occasionally called me to come drink/eat with them. A kind gesture I was first skeptical of because you don’t just take things from ‘strangers’. But with time, I became comfortable with taking a bit of ‘whatever’ was shared. I couldn’t speak the language - Ibibio, so communication was a serious problem. I tried getting an Akwa Ibom girlfriend, you know the general belief that Akwa Ibom girls... and that it would solve that problem.
Oh well, I looked for one but it was not meant to be. We were always left with nearly empty classes on market days, as students would have to follow their parents to the market. Also, most of the students missed school regularly due to farm activities. I remember asking a student:"why were you not in school yesterday?" and she replied: "uncle, I go farm".Lolz.
This trend affected the eagerness and aspirations of most corps members. Such situation would do that to anyone. I'm so glad friends don't come with price tags, I could never afford the wonderful friends I've got. In the course of my service year, I met a lot of wonderful people that I still maintain contact with. Michael Anene - the huge man, as I fondly called him. Thanks for believing in my judgement. This guy trusts me like kilode. He would always say he doesn't like mathematics but ask him: "Mike, if 12 people share 11k, how much will each person get".Lolz. Be sure to get an answer in a split of a second.
Thank you for all the good things and I hope to see you on top. Oti Uzoma , the lady with the biggest behind. Your Barcelona no get shaking. It was fun serving and living in the same lodge with you. If service is to be done twice and I'm to pick people I want in my PPA, your name will surely be top on the list. We had fun gisting and it was as if we have lived together before. Nnajiofor Uchennah Jonathan, correct guy. I loved your style bro. Sorry I never told you this but sincerely, I did. The only colleague I spent two nights in his room. I hope you make it big. DA Last Born. "The man of the people of Obotme". Your chemistry with the people got me thinking if you've lived there before. "Muwa bu Charlie", "even for example", those were your popular lines. It was awesome meeting you. Benjamin Emmanuel, my temporary roommate. A self made CEO. Nice meeting you man and I pray you make it big. Matthew Michael Awaji, AKA Obj. A guy with passion for comedy and has produced a lot of comic relief. You can check out some of his skits on YouTube, @objofficialcomedy. I tell you, this dude has got talent but loves fishes alot. I still remember how he would brag about the number of fishes he bought at the market. Keep up the good work.
Jerry Amos, AKA, the one who cannot die but only react to the surface of the earth and give nutrients to the plants. Thank you for confiding in me. Imonin Patience, fondly called e-money. The fine babe from Edo state. She can eat for Africa. God bless you richly, service was dope with you. Ella Ambrose, my madam. I no fit write everything about you and I cos that one na book on its own. Endowed Anambarian. I'm so grateful for the good memories I have about you and I'm sure you're going to be a huge success.
Ogunsakin Oluwakemi. Ewooo! Where do I start? Foes turned lovers. The English Language Prof. The neat babe. I'm missing your jollof rice already. I know you are going to succeed. See you at the top, Ogunsakin. To all that made my service year a blast, I'm sincerely grateful. My own LGI, Mr Ngokugh Sunday , thank you sir for everything. To my landlady, thank you for the privilege of running the compound. I didn't mention lack of electricity and water in this post because you made light and water available. To Engr. Jude, may God reward you for all the countless rides, the fuel and more. Mr SALT, thank you sir for loving me. They say when people love you, they don't usually call you by your name. Tony Momoh, he would always call me. To Jackson, AKA daddy boy, thank you for your hospitality. To my principal, Mr Mikop, thanks for your understanding. I swear, e no easy to dey leadership position. To Eka Victor, thank you ma'am. I could go on and on but I have to stop here.
Thanks for your time.
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