I covered my face with my duvet , tried not to be disturbed by the noise. Before I could close my eyes, I heard the sound of the bugle which according to those that came earlier said it's a warning sound for everyone to get ready for morning meditation.
I was able to wake up and have my bath. The cold was something else. It became unbearable for me. I wished I was at home, but it was too late for me.
Life in camp became unbearable for me. It took me time to adjust,I had to force myself to get use to everything.
The prices of items in maimi market scared me off. Virtually everything became so expensive.
At times when they serve us food, I would look at the food and nod . I never imagined that someday, I will eat food without oil; prisoners food even look better than what were given in camp. The hard life in camp made me realised that life is not all Rosy.
Within few weeks I became an Otondo.
I learned many things at Ikare-Akoko that transformed me from an inexperienced Otondo to an experienced Otondo. Everything became old to me again. I could wake up before the sound of the bugle.
I was welcomed to a world where you don't have to question the order of those superior to you,but to obey them. I was in an environment where you have to double up whenever you are within the military zone. I was in a world where I can't wear any attire order than my white top, short and canvas.
I was surounded with people from different parts of the state, caliber, mentality and denomination . I had to corporate and behave as I was told by the military men in camp. You dare not act any how. You do as you were told.
Like they always say:" you have no choice".
My views about camp changed entirely.Camp became a place where you have to carry your waist bag everywhere, even to the toilet and bathroom .
It became a place where you eat whatever food they serve you without questioning them; unless you have enough money to eat out.
The choice is yours! To me, camp became a place you are asked to stop eating and run to the parade ground- spoon will be in your mouth and are been forced to pull it out and swallow the food.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm! I can go on and on.
Life in camp was another orientation for me. Camp became a place where your items will get stolen in your presence. NYSC camp became a place where we were forced to pay before we charge our phones and in the process,your charger will get stolen . It was a world where everything comes with a prize tag; even with the opposite sex.
It was a place where people came with an agenda of catching a prey to benefit from. An environment where you have to think twice before you make friends.
At the end of it all. I learnt so much that my brain could not hold. But in this journey, I could say that I was worth the excitement .
I have a story to tell smiling at the past. I am glad that I came out with something tangible to show that I didn't just pass through the four walls of Ikare-Akoko camp, but it passed through me.
This is where I need to drop my pen. Always aim high and never be discouraged in life till you get to tell your own story.
***The End***
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