My name is Nosakhare Treasure, and I served at the Ekiti NYSC Camp with the 2025 Batch A Stream 2. I’m proudly from Edo State, and this is my camp story. All touching on my expectations before camp, the journey, surprises, the daily routine, and all the lessons I picked up along the way.
What I Expected Before Camp
I’ve always been the type to prepare early for anything new. So even before I got my call-up letter, I was already preparing for NYSC mentally and financially. The plan was to process direct posting to Port Harcourt because I landed a job there, but that didn’t work out. I got shifted to Stream 2, and by then, the slot my “NYSC plug” promised was gone. Even though that was painful, I left everything to God, hoping not to be posted too far from Edo.
When I saw Ekiti State on my call-up letter, I was relieved. It wasn’t far, and my parents were happy about that too.
The Journey to Ekiti NYSC Camp
Since I schooled in Ondo State, getting to Ekiti wasn’t too hard. I made the mistake of not taking a direct bus, thinking I could find my way easily. That little decision cost me extra time and money.
I arrived at the Ekiti NYSC Camp in Ise-Emure around 6:30 am on a Tuesday. Some people said the gate wouldn’t open early but I decided to try my luck. Thankfully, it was open. After my bags were checked, I got a mattress and space to rest. I showered, crashed on the bed, and slept off.
It rained heavily the next morning, so I stayed in bed for long that I almost forgot I hadn’t registered. When I finally got to the registration hall, it was already filled up. I felt bad watching others far ahead but I eventually completed my registration and began to settle in.
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First Impressions of Ekiti NYSC Camp
The Ekiti NYSC Camp is located between Ise/Orun and Emure Local Government Areas, so people often call it “Ise-Emure Camp.” The area is quiet and rural, with red sandy soil, thick green bushes, and that raw countryside smell that hits differently after rain.
When it rains, the ground gets sticky, and when it’s dry, the dust rises like smoke. The weather swings between cool mornings and hot afternoons. You’ll need to pass through Ado-Ekiti, the state Capital to get there, then through Emure. The last part of the road isn’t smooth, especially when it rains, but buses, bikes, and cabs still manage the route.
Camp Registration and Document Checks
Registration at the Ekiti NYSC Orientation Camp requires your original school certificate, NIN, ID card, fitness certificate, call-up letter, addendum, and green card. You’ll later need photocopies and passports for your file and for the bank registration.
One thing I noticed was how strict the officials were. If there’s any error on your documents, especially date of graduation, no amount of “please” will save you. I saw a few people sent home over that. So, check every detail before heading to camp.
Hostel Life: The Real Accommodation Story
Before camp, everyone said, “Go early if you want a good hostel.” I went a day early yet I still got one of the worst hostels. Turns out they fill up the rough ones first before assigning the better ones. My bunk was near a leaking window, and the foam was old.
Funny enough, people who came late, even on the last day of registration, got new foams and cleaner hostels. I won’t lie, that part hurt. But we all adjusted. After all, it’s just NYSC camp.
Life Inside Ekiti NYSC Camp
By 2 am, alarms start going off. That’s how early life begins at the Ekiti NYSC Camp. People wake to bathe, wash, or just gist before the 5 am whistle. Once it blows, you rush out to the parade ground for meditation.
I was in Platoon 1. Meditation started with praise and worship, then prayers, and short reflections led by the camp PRO, Mr. Kunle. After that came the Camp Director’s address, then the bugler’s sound that officially kicks off the NYSC day. The national anthem followed, and then we moved into morning drills or lectures.
By 7 am, the famous “Bingo, hungry man go eat ooo” call echoes. Some go for breakfast, others sneak back to sleep before the 9 am lectures. From 9 to 12, we had general sessions, followed by SAED from 12 to 2 pm. After lunch came Man O’ War drills, sports, or platoon activities.
Dinner was around 6pm, and social nights started at 8. Most nights ended by 10 or 11 pm before lights out. Camp life was hectic but fun in its own way.
When DG Visited Ekiti NYSC Camp
During the third week, news spread that the NYSC Director General was visiting Ekiti NYSC Camp. Everyone rushed to the parade ground. When he arrived, the place lit up. He looked calm and friendly, and we were all surprised that a General could be that handsome.
Performances followed in dances, parades, and even Man O’ War (my group). He gave cash prizes to some teams, took pictures with everyone, and left us smiling. The next day, we were rewarded with a “mufti day,” meaning we could wear casual clothes all day before changing back to white for the social night. It felt like a small holiday inside camp.
The Man O’ War Experience
At first, I joined Man O’ War reluctantly. I’d heard it was stressful but it turned out to be one of the best parts of camp. While others were sweating on the parade ground, we were doing team tasks, helping soldiers, and sometimes resting.
We even had the privilege to “discipline” our fellow corps members occasionally. It wasn’t easy, but it was fun and gave me freedom from the tiring parade routine.
Soldiers, Discipline, and Decamping Incidents
The soldiers at the Ekiti NYSC Camp were generally friendly, though they didn’t spare insults when intolerable. Some people were decamped for stealing, rudeness, or sneaking into restricted areas. I’ll never forget when two corps members were caught at the back of Mami Market having sex. They were marched out and dismissed from camp.
Lesson learned: respect camp rules.
Facilities and the Mami Market
The Ekiti NYSC Camp doesn’t have an auditorium, so we had lectures under big trees. Everyone looked for a good spot away from the sun. Some hostels had fans, some didn’t, but the camp environment was fairly neat. The toilets, though were terrible.
The Mami Market was the real rescue. You could find food, clothes, and almost anything you forgot to pack. Surprisingly, food prices were reasonable. A plate of indomie and egg was about ₦1,200, rice ₦1,200, swallow ₦1,000. You just had to find a vendor whose food tasted right.
Tailoring, Charging, and Little Camp Hacks
Adjusting your khaki at the Ekiti NYSC Camp cost around ₦2,500 in total. Each platoon had its own tailor, and they mostly attended to people in their platoon. Charging phones was ₦300, power banks ₦600, and if you didn’t have your own charger, ₦100 extra.
I’ll advise you to avoid charging at those camp spots often because the generators could spoil your device’s battery.
Social Nights and Entertainment
Not every social night was worth it. Most were dull, except for Mr. Macho, Miss NYSC, Big Bold and Beautiful, Debate Night, and the Carnival. Those were actually fun. The rest, I used the time to rest.
Some Useful Things I’m Glad I Brought
My waist pouch was a lifesaver. It kept my small items safe everywhere I went. My water bottle came in handy too, though you can always buy bottled water at the lecture ground.
Bring enough white tops and shorts, at least 20, because you’ll be washing often. NYSC’s issued whites are too light and fade fast. Two pairs of white sneakers also help.
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If you’re coming to the Ekiti NYSC Camp, don’t leave out hot balm or sweaters. The mornings can be very cold. And please, come with mufti and carnival clothes. I didn’t, and I regretted it.
The Ekiti NYSC Camp Clinic
The Ekiti NYSC Camp clinic isn’t impressive. Most times, all they give is paracetamol. If you’re really sick, they’ll refer you outside the camp. Try to stay healthy and avoid anything that’ll stress your body unnecessarily.
My Reflections About NYSC Orientation Camp
Leaving camp was emotional. I was excited to go home but also sad to leave the friends and routines I’d grown used to. I learned that NYSC camp is what you make of it… your attitude, participation, and visibility matter more than anything.
Joining groups doesn’t automatically earn you a good PPA. Make sure your platoon officers know you. Participate genuinely and connect with people.
Ekiti NYSC Camp taught me how to adjust quickly, stay ready, and make the best of any situation. It wasn’t what I planned, but I left with lessons, memories, and gratitude.
My Advice to Prospective Corps Members
- Don’t assume early arrival means better hostels.
- Make multiple photocopies of your documents before camp.
- Be active. join activities and make yourself visible.
- Respect soldiers and camp officials always.
- Keep your tag safe; it’s important for ID collection.
- Bring enough white clothes and sneakers.
- The camp food isn’t great, so budget appropriately for mammy food vendors.
- Bring mufti and warm clothes. Ekiti can be very cold.
- Avoid charging your phone at the camp generator point.
- And if you plan to relocate, do it quietly. No one has to know.
For PCMs Posted to Ekiti NYSC Camp
If you’re posted to Ekiti NYSC Camp, come with an open mind. It’s not the most comfortable camp, but it’s one of the most memorable.
Between the red sand, the early bugle, and the noisy social nights, you’ll find a rhythm that stays with you long after camp ends.
Ekiti taught me that NYSC is less about the state and more about the experience. And this one, I’ll never forget.
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