The Dairy Game: My NYSC Journey Phase One; The Orientation Camp (21/01/2026).

The ultimate goal of every Nigerian graduate after graduation is to serve the fatherland, this service to the fatherland is a thing of pride and joy and must times, when the clarion call delay to come, it becomes a thing of worry and could as well be a thing of mockery within the society. This service to the fatherland managed by the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) they say, begins immediately after graduation and your institution of learning mobilizes you to show your readiness for the online registration. And then, the unending wait for the Callup No and eventually, the Callup letter. But for me, this journey really begins at the Orientation camp after all might have been said and done.

Phase one of my NYSC journey begins at the orientation camp; a place where strangers become friends and civilians become Corps Members. Early January, I had gotten my Callup No after being mobilized since June 2025 and nothing showed up. So on Monday, 19/01/2026, my Callup letter dropped, indicating my state of deployment and of course, when I'm to report at the orientation camp, 21/01/2026. The energy is in it's apex, the happiness was real, all preparations made, journey embarked on. From the very first day, right from the gate, the energy was different. People were shocked to see friends they know report at the same orientation camp, others already started making friends and still, others were all alone by themselves, minding their own business. After searching our luggages thoroughly, we proceeded to the hall for registration, documentation,opening of account, meeting of platoon officer and finally collection of the Khaki uniform.

The next morning, then came the early morning drills, the loud parade commands, the up NEPA chants and the rest, surprisingly, this all done in white and white uniforms, we were referred to as WHITE FOWLS, this all created an atmosphere and memories I'll never forget. The Orientation Camp is highly regimented and designed to build unity among graduates from different tribes, religion and background, truly reflecting the spirit of One Nigeria.

The daily routines wasn't easy, definitely not something for the weak such as, people with critical health conditions including pregnant women were strictly instructed to exit the camp. From the early morning wake up around 3AM, you are already under pressure trying to observe your personal quiet time, use the restroom, bath, brush your teeth, do some laundry and at least have time to eat something. Then comes the early morning general corporate prayers at the parade ground around 4AM, this is the time you sleep and pray even while you're standing. Immediately Nigeria wakes up from 6AM, it's time for the early morning parade, an experience most of us didn't like. Breakfast is served later on, the long queues can discourage you but then, Corper Manage o you'll run through your mind and you'll remember that that's your slogan.

And then after all this, the worst would happen when you're at the hall from 9AM till 2PM for lectures. At this, you'll not only sleep, you sweep, you cry, you vex but none of those changes anything. This is then followed by another long queue for lunch. Few minutes after this, you're at the parade ground again, then comes sports, dinner, social nights and light out.

First and foremost, as stated earlier, the orientation camp is highly regimented, this inculcates discipline and tolerance into Corps Members; so beyond the stress, the orientation camp taught me discipline, resilience and teamwork. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me discover strengths I never knew I had. This was really reflected during the Man'O'War drilling, I finally overcame my fear of heights.

The Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) sessions also opened my eyes to opportunities beyond white-collar jobs. It was a reminder that service to the fatherland isn't just about posting, it's mostly about growth.
Finally, the orientation camp gave me connections I've not had in my entire life. I met new people from different states and tribes, heard and learn new languages, shared laughter in the hostel, assembly hall and parade ground, and built friendships that may last a lifetime.

So this phase one wasn't just three weeks at the orientation camp, it was the foundation for my service year.
#NYSC #ORIENTATION_CAMP.