Meshack’s Drones (5): Posting Wahala

Now before you think this is a vent, or another unnecessary gist about dissatisfaction about national institutions and structures, just relax and be happy as you read my indifferent mindset about an inconsistent system and failures of national institutions. 

During my days at the Nigerian law school, the haze about the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) blew in and everyone was registering like it was rapture about to take place. I couldn’t be bothered because of a number of reasons I would be sharing and you would be a judge to whether I was right or wrong.

The NYSC has an online platform and a tweeter handle from which they disseminate information purported to have come from them. Up until this month, there have been clamors to scrap the institution because of the several security issues and how Corpers in the past have been used as pawns for ethnic struggles, religious fanaticism and maybe family rivalry. At inception, the intention was lofty: to get Nigerians to reintegrate. Inter-tribal marriages were fostered on this platform and a whole lot of other feats have been  achieved. So the argument that its purpose had been fulfilled was not in any way a wrong one. Nigerians have moved on to greater challenges that called for a different agenda and institution to carry it out. As much as I agreed with this, I couldn’t also discard the idea of the short military training, the networking options and inter-ethnic community that the NYSC stands for and has been beneficial to a whole lot of persons known and unknown.

So yes I have always looked forward to wear my Khaki, have a platoon, do endurance treks, meet new people, climb the ropes and snap that picture. But no, I never knew security would become such a problem to make some areas “un-go-able”. When the NYSC through its handle informed us of the new registration and posting process, I was happy. Not just about the fact that I could get to choose where I wanted to go, but also because for once, a national institution could come up with such an innovative idea that would check the concerns raised. The idea was on a first come first serve basis. So when a particular state got full, such state would not show on the prospective Corper’s registration page. This was how I got to choose Oyo, Kwara and Akwa Ibom states. Whilst everyone expressed their paranoia and every to me, I would calm them down with that phrase “we have chosen, they can’t send us to where we didn’t choose”. And when it happened, I was posted to Zamfara.

Fast forward the story to today, you can understand my shock, displeasure and sadness. Sad not just because I would thousands of miles from home, or that I am entering a zone where about 31 people were killed in July by the BH guys, but because once again I was fooled by the ardent belief in working national structures. I am disappointed again because I put in such unwavering faith in the process and hoped for nothing but what I had chosen, my Yola experience didn't teach me nothing. In that sadness comes some more level of expectancy though. I really want to see a changed Nigeria and I feel it is my opportunity to be that change. The first step like I said before is doing something extraordinary, allowing a little self inconvenience for the greater good. One thing is certain, dangers and risks never end and they are everywhere you turn no matter how you try to evade them. What good is it envisaging danger or scarcity or even irrelevance instead of unlocking the several juices and plans of positivity you can in search of a beautiful service year.

So here are somethings you can do when you find a place you are totally not satisfied with:

1.       Smile: do not frown your face, at least not so that anyone can see

2.       Check the date of resumption and know how long you have to make inquiries about the place

3.       Google, ask, and read about the place

4.       Check for hotels, malls, or tourist attractions in the state

5.       Know the cost of living in the state: accommodation, and feeding in choice areas

6.       Check to be sure there is a bible believing church in it, and take the contacts there, call them and introduce yourself and they would pray with you to take away your fears.

7.       Explore the redeployment option on the three available grounds: security, health or marriage.

These are the things I have done, and I think they can work for you! oh yeah and was I wrong to have been so at peace? Be the judge.

To a Friend, Mentor and G! on his Birthday… Oladeinbo Gilbert

Errr, You would have to pardon me, I never get what your exact names are, I am sure it’s the perks of being a Yoruba boy: I know there is Gilbert, Oladeinbo, Tinuke, Benson, the exact order, I don’t know. Not everyone strikes you with that height of wits, playfulness and mixed with a definite sense of purpose. But here is a big hearty cheer to that one person who has all three at first sight and contact; I forgot to add with really good looks. The description of his beauty is more than the down tone but I can’t do more considering the Anti-Gay laws and the fact that I really have no semblance to Bruce.

Dark, slim and average heighted, his gait almost makes him taller than he actually is. He was on the other block, so I never got to see him until this evening. “That’s him” I got a nudge from Peller as he showed me the guru of the campus. He was swift, brisk and sharp, like he had twitches of duties he had just attended to and had more to do. Simply dressed, of course it was evening service how smashing could you look? That was when I realized I knew him all the while. He was in the choir and had this funny look when the lyrics went on. And then it was testimony time and he walked up to thank God for having his 5^th 5point GPA from the last semester. He was in 400 Level. Overwhelmed as I was I realized how one could be real, yet smart, humble and touched by divinity.

I began a semester long course of close observation of his lifestyle. It was the best course I ever took in Uni. And I was definitely the better for it. It wasn’t long before I also got a reflection from his mirror of almost perfection! I also joined the choir (not coz of him though! @Ojhordee made that happen); and I became a debater. He taught me my most effective stage fright dispeller. I won’t share it with you. I watched him sing, anchor school programs, debate, argue, fight for the students’ association’s progress, chair electoral committees, and also watched him graduate as best student overall, no one broke the record yet. There I realized how a person could have such a good heart replete with a resolve to be the best and squeeze out the positive energy for those around in great impact.

I didn’t know anything about his emotional life, it didn’t concern me but I know he had a publicly acclaimed bestie. I have one too (shout out to @blessingbaba). But one thing I was sure of was that he succeeded severally to maintain a healthy one because there was no time his head wasn’t giving him the right signals and requisite resources to make the right decisions. I also realized here, that no matter what it is: physical afflictions, high flying performances and work life balance come from supernatural grace and a strong determination to do the right thing.

His countenance was always cheerful; you would wonder where the energy was coming from. His analysis were top notch, you would wonder what wisdom is this. His support was encouraging; you would wonder what you have done to attract such encouragement. He was choosy about his friends, his words, and even location. Efficacy, excellence and amity were just his lifestyle and I am proud, happy and indeed privileged to know you, be your friend (yes I know I am) and interact with you.

People don’t know this, but celebrating stars whilst they yet glimmer shouldn’t be any different from when it glows. Stars are stars: they are magnificent and shiny, it’s only weather conditions, earth spins and galaxy positioning that affects their appearance per time. I celebrate Gilbert Oladeinbo Benson because he is such a star, a great man, a super destiny; yes soon to be Aviation Minister, and so much other things. Some day when you are old, rich, famous, I would be glad to appear to have identified with you and stayed as a friend for that long. I can only pray that your great aspirations keep you zealous and hearty until God’s exact plan for your life unfolds in your reality for family and friends to stay impacted.

God bless you and Happy Birthday Sir!!!

Meshack's Drones (4): Warri Connection

Happy new month from the desk of the ReadyWriter. My long absence has been occasioned by the usual Lagos hustle, plus the travels on the ever on-going constructions of the inter-state highways and of course the tons of words I have to read through and write in recent times. Whatever the case, the hunter is always happy his trap could catch something at the end of the week, it could have been worse. I am sure my ready readers can adapt the proverb to the situation. Today I share some lessons from one of my recent and interesting travel to a beautiful, ancient and small city called Warri.

Its been about 3 years since I last traveled to Warri. It is home for me because of the several extended family members that live there and are fond of me. Uncle and his family nicknamed me "Prof" because of the academic feats i achieved in primary and secondary schools (don't ask which, *i had an F9 in CRK). Maybe that's what influenced my decision to pursue academics and bag my professorship before i am 35. That dream I intend to follow with all passion and intent. As i travel through the annoyingly bad roads, in the initial anger of the delay, I remember my last journey with my brother. It was then when I had gone on holiday from the JSS1 break. Interestingly I wasn't going back to continue JSS2.I was going to continue JSS3 and he had told me the good news of how my school board had sat and made the decision with my mother's final consent. we talked about it all the way as we made our way through the ancient Benin City. By the time we approached the Benin-Ore road, he began to teach me some Advance Agric Science. Err, Agric was not my subject but he had a dream to have one of Africa's largest farms at the time. So i guess I was his first "intern" and right now I am trying to recollect the essence of that lecture. Yes it was some intense gist about green-ness. Way before the green movement began in the world. He explained the reason why the taller trees were greener than the shorter ones- the whole sunlight chemical interaction. My bro and I indeed had some nice growing up moments, and I am sure some of you don't know this green movement nor the reason why some trees are greener than some. Your opportunity to quickly Google and read it up.

Things have really changed. In those days (2002), telephones were not allowed when travelling. the major reason was insecurity. That is why i totally agree BokoHaram did not start yesterday. Transport services would advice everyone to put off their phones for the entirety of the journey which was a standard 5 hours and or more. their reasoning was in order for us passengers not to be the pawns strategizing the envisaged highway robbery. No one could be trusted oh. If you were caught making a call, the suspicion from the other passengers' eyes would make you not eat and that in itself was more suspicion. On my way to Warri i chatted almost all through and had someone on the other side disturb all through. This doesn't mean we have fought the war totally against insecurity in the south. in fact rumors have it that it was the directive to stop Police check points that reduced the highway robberies to the minimum. Whether there is truth in that, I dont know and I would not test. Insecurity is not one apparatus that can go into my research test lab. Lets leave it for the Khaki men to do.

That reminds me of the sweetest part of the journey: the stop-to-eat oh sorry "Stop-Over" at Ore. Those canteens in the area have made a fortune, but I am sure the Yoruba party culture won't make them have much investment *runsaway*. Mummy never bought us food at Ore. we would have snacks and at the most bananas. Yes everyone thinks I should have starred in the Dawn of the Planet Apes Movie because of my love for bananas. If only they knew how much of a life saver my bananas were traveling to and fro Warri growing up. She claimed she never wanted us pressed on the road, she was non-tolerant to travel disturbances- baby cries, frequent toilet stops by passengers, driver misbehavior and such other matters connected thereto. The lesson this taught me growing up is that you can always achieve what you want, get satisfaction out of life without disturbing others from achieving theirs. You might only inconvenience yourself a little but it makes the world a better place. If everyone couldn't wait for everyone or tolerate somethings, then the world would be worse than the jungle. DEEP Right?

Talking passengers disturbed the journey so much. But this time, I talked. No, good talk. I was the hero that led the Bus through the best route that took us from Ikotun all the way to Shangisha, close to Berger, towards the outskirts of Lagos. Hehehe, like Moses, I had my fair share of heavy criticisms, uncertainties, annoyances and outbursts while I led, but the good part is it didn't last 400 years, just thirty minutes was enough for the struggle. You see that is why Nigeria is where it is today. Distrust of everyone for everyone. No one wants to give any one a chance for anything and that is why, the National security agency would rather show on national television new equipments bought in the combat against terrorism, than keep classified info and fight it once and for all. Even an amateur player of Call of Duty seeing those helicopters and ammunitions knows how to counter them upon sight not to talk of the Bros of the North. I would add distrust is not a virtue just as impatience is not. 

It might have seemed draggy, but yes that's how my 6 hour journey went. Full of reminiscing and lessons. A journey that should take not more than 3hours 45 minutes. I saw campaigns this year of the past administration making boast of how the roads have been fully constructed; i laughed as i went on this journey because a tiny part of me really wanted to see what the roads have become and i was disappointed. Please this is not a political rendition, it is all for the love of my Warri. I would share my in-Warri experiences soon... In the mean time remember the lessons in italics.

The Ready Writer