My name is Ehiane from Lagos. I was deployed to camp in January 2025 with NYSC Batch C Stream II, 2024 set. This is my experience at Benue NYSC camp
Before I get into the camp experience part, let me quickly take you back to the NYSC online registration phase.
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The much-anticipated NYSC registration date eventually arrived on January 6th, 2025. I was determined not to miss it. Stories were already circulating about prospective corps members being moved to new streams or even shifted to another batch entirely because they delayed registration. I didn’t want to take any chances.
I had earlier paid the NYSC accredited cyber cafe agent so he will give my registration a priority whenever NYSC portal opens. On the D-day, I began the online registration but was stuck along the process because the website was extremely slow. It was as if the entire country was online at once. After much hassles, I was eventually able to complete the registration the next evening and I got my NYSC call-up number same day.
I checked up on my friends who were still having issues with NYSC registration due to NIN error. I was lucky to have joined an NYSC WhatsApp platform where I got preparation tips that made me fix my NIN before online registration.
There was a misspelling in my name (“Osemudimen” instead of “Osemudiamen”) which seemed like a minor error until I learned it could affect my registration. Thankfully, I was able to correct it before the process began.
Preparation For NYSC Camp
After successfully completing my registration, I started buying the necessary items for camp that same week. I got my white T-shirts, white shorts, sneakers, socks, water bottle, toiletries, and some snacks. Looking back, getting these things early helped a lot once I got to Benue NYSC camp.
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While waiting for the call-up letter, I had several discussions with my brother about the possibility of securing direct posting. I was interested in serving in Lagos because I had a job offer that could continue during my service year. However, the payment for direct posting wasn’t complete on time. I didn’t even know that posting slots could close or become unavailable.
On the Saturday before call-up letters were released, I was finally able to gather the full amount. But it was already too late. The window had closed. I was disappointed but I couldn’t dwell on it for long. I just told myself to move on and keep the money for redeployment while at the NYSC orientation camp.
Despite the change in plans, I remained hopeful. I was mentally prepared for wherever I would be posted.
Anxiety took over me the night before NYSC callup letter was released. I was having strange dreams and even developed a mild fever. In that dream, I saw myself being posted to Benue NYSC camp. I woke up immediately and thought, “Benue? Where exactly is Benue?” I had never given it a thought before.
I logged into my portal the following morning and there it was. Benue State!
I quickly opened my map app to locate the state and got to know it’s in the North Central zone. Knowing it shared border with Cameroon even made it feel farther. I told my parents and brother, and they said we should wait and discuss it further.
The Decision About Going To Benue State
I started doing some research but most of the results I found online were discouraging. News of insecurity, herdsmen attacks, and other stories didn’t help. But by the next day, I had already packed my bag and made travel enquiries on how to get to Benue NYSC camp. I got the contact of a transport company called Benue Links. Their terminal in Lagos was at Volks, opposite Ojo Barracks Gate.
Without wasting time, I went there to make enquiries. The driver said the fare was ₦24,000 and gave assurance that the bus would go straight to Benue camp. My friend who was posted to Rivers State said her transport fee was ₦40,000 so it looked like I got a good deal. The driver explained that Benue Links was owned by the state government and subsidised to make movement easier. I gave him my contact and registered my name. He also told me other PCMs had signed up.
On my way home, I stopped at a cyber café in LASU campus where I made 10 photocopies each of the required documents. After that, I visited my pastor’s wife. We work together in the children’s church, so I felt free talking to her. I shared how I felt about travelling to Benue.
Just before visiting her, I had come across a disturbing story on Facebook where someone was kidnapped while travelling from Enugu to Ondo. That increased my fear. She saw how worried I was and encouraged me with some kind words. Her husband later joined us and prayed for me. That prayer session helped calm my heart.
When I returned home, I met my mother and brother discussing my posting. My brother said I shouldn’t go because Benue too far and dangerous. Anything could happen along the way. They suggested I wait for the next batch and use direct posting to Lagos. After all their concerns, I told them I was still going. I didn’t want to waste any more time at home. I had graduated since September 2024 and I was already thinking of how age could eventually become a barrier.
Looking back now, I’m grateful I made that decision. Some of my friends who didn’t travel to their assigned states struggled with revalidation because they were not deployed to camp with the next NYSC streams. That delay wasn’t something I wanted.
The Journey To Benue NYSC Camp
I woke up in the early hours of Wednesday 22nd January 2025. I had barely slept because the weight of the journey ahead and the uncertainties made me restless. It was so draining that I even forgot to charge my phone.
As early as 4am, I plugged my phone and bathed. My mum prayed for me and it was a heartfelt prayer for protection and journey mercy. I believed God heard her. She insisted on following me to the park where she spoke to the driver and made sure he understood how much this journey meant. The driver assured her that all would go well and that we would arrive safely at Benue NYSC camp by God’s grace.
Other PCMs began arriving shortly after. We packed our luggage and arranged ourselves inside the bus. I took the seat behind the driver. The space was tight but I chose it because of the air. I suffer from motion sickness and travelling long distances sometimes makes me throw up. Sitting there helped because of the ventilation, and thankfully, I didn’t feel sick.
By 9am, we left Ojo Park. One of the passengers offered a prayer inside the bus which lifted everyone’s confidence. A few hours later, we stopped in Ogun State to buy fuel and stretch our legs. Many of us opened our maps only to realise we hadn’t even covered much ground.
By 2pm, we were still moving. I think we were somewhere in Osun by then. From there we entered Edo, then eventually reached Kogi. The moment we got into Kogi State, I remembered that Facebook post about someone kidnapped on the same route and my fear returned.
Kogi is a large state and we spent close to five hours passing through it. Somewhere along the way, we stopped to eat. It was a big spot where travellers usually take a break. I saw many buses, including some from other transport companies.
By 5pm, we resumed the journey. The only thing visible on both sides of the road was bush, just endless bush. At that point, I started chatting with the people around me. The guy beside me turned out to be a fellow LASU graduate. He finished a year ahead of me. We shared stories and talked about our NYSC expectations. Eventually, all four of us on that row realised we were from LASU. That made the trip more enjoyable. We talked, laughed, and tried to ignore the discomfort of sitting for hours.
It got dark and we were still deep inside Kogi. There was a stretch with no buildings, no network, and no sign of civilisation. Everyone became tense. To make things more frightening, the driver would stop the bus occasionally, turn off the engine, and shine a torchlight into the darkness. He did this for security reasons. After a few minutes, he’d restart the engine and continue driving.
Later on, we were stopped by soldiers at a checkpoint near a mill. They kept us there for about an hour before letting us go. Around 11pm, we got to River Benue. We crossed the bridge and were told that we were almost at the Benue NYSC camp. That was the first real moment of relief.
By midnight, we arrived at Gboko in Benue State. The driver parked at a motor park and said we would continue the journey in the morning. We saw other buses parked there too. I got something to eat and returned to the bus. My seat was empty, so I laid down to sleep. Some of my travel mates stayed outside to chat while others found places to lie down.
By 4am, the driver woke us up. It was time to move again. The cold that morning was intense. The air was freezing inside the bus so the driver had to turn off the AC. He later told us he was a retired military officer. He shared some of his experiences fighting Boko Haram in the North which was how he learned to drive carefully and defensively.
The man also spoke about the risks on the route to Benue NYSC Camp and how people had been kidnapped or harmed along the way. His stories were sobering but hearing them made me even more grateful that our trip had been smooth.
By few minutes past 8 am, we finally arrived at Benue NYSC camp. The moment we got down, I went straight to greet the driver and thank him. He smiled and said it was nothing. We had become friends along the journey. I even switched seats with the person sitting in front after the driver complained that he was sleeping too much and it was affecting him.
The long trip and the tension that came with it became manageable, thanks to the people I travelled with and the few good conversations that kept us going.
Despite all the fears and discouragement, I was now standing at the entrance of Benue NYSC camp, ready to begin a new chapter.
Registration At Benue NYSC Camp
The registration process began right from the gate. Corps officials asked us to present our call-up letters before we were even allowed into the premises. As soon as I stepped in, I met a large crowd. It wasn’t easy to navigate. The friends I came with had already scattered and it became a matter of every man for himself.
Even though the process was somewhat organised, many prospective corps members were impatient. I didn’t want to be left behind either so I moved quickly. Eventually, I was given my NYSC registration job sheet. This is the slip used to track each stage of the registration process. It gets signed by camp officials after every completed step.
Soon after, some policewomen at the gate searched our bags. We were then instructed to proceed and secure accommodation. I was directed to Block C which is the male hostel. The man in charge told me to find any available bunk, place my bag there, and take note of the room number. I found space in Room 5, close to the door.
As I stepped out, I ran into one of the guys I traveled with. His room was close to mine. We met an official outside who asked for our room numbers and signed the “accommodation” section on our job sheets. From there, we went to pick up our files and proceeded to the registration hall.
That hall was packed. I arrived around 9:50am and sat at the back with some new friends. The process was slow and disorganised because people were pushing and trying to get to the front. New arrivals ignored the queue and went straight to the front which led to arguments.
NYSC Kit Collection and Meal Ticket
Despite everything, I eventually completed the registration around 9pm and was placed in Platoon 10. I headed to the Platoon 10 stand to finalise the last part of the registration. There, I met an overly strict official. His attitude reminded me of a lecturer dealing with first-year students. I endured the experience just to get it over with.
We were given our NYSC kits at the stand which was a pair of jungle boots, two white T-shirts, two white shorts, a khaki uniform, belt, socks, cap, and vest. The khaki wasn’t my size. In an attempt to adjust, I exchanged shirts with someone whose shirt fit me better. Unfortunately, the materials were slightly different in colour. I regretted the swap immediately but it was too late to reverse it.
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I was also given jungle boots that were size 38, while I wear 47. Thankfully, I found someone with size 46 looking for size 39 and we exchanged. As for the white sneakers, I didn’t bother trying. I just kept them aside.
I received my kitchen card but couldn’t use it that night because it was already past 10pm. Hungry and exhausted, I went to mammy market to eat. Food at Benue NYSC camp is expensive. I bought a plate of rice and bottle of water for ₦2,000. While I was there, I also bought essentials I had forgotten like bedsheets, soap, and sponge.
It helped that I brought ₦30,000 with me, apart from the money I had saved for direct posting. Back in my hostel room, I met my roommates. They were friendly and welcoming. We introduced ourselves, then I had a quick bath, returned missed calls, and went to sleep.
First Day Of NYSC Camp Activities
By 4am the next morning, I was already awake. I don’t know if it was the bugle or the noise from the hallway that woke me up. I grabbed the bucket I bought in camp and went to fetch water but there was a queue already. Can’t remember the exact price I paid for the bucket but it was expensive. The early morning cold in Benue NYSC camp was intense and I immediately regretted not bringing a cardigan from home.
After fetching water, I joined another queue at the bathroom. The water was freezing. The cold was too much and my teeth were clattering. That was the only time I bathed before early morning devotion throughout my stay in camp.
After dressing up, I stepped outside just before 5am and the cold hit me again. I had to rush back inside to wear my khaki jacket. The meditation exercise which lasted from 5 to 6:30am was bearable despite the weather.
After meditation, we moved to the Man O’ War ground for light drills. By 8am, it was time for breakfast. I queued at the kitchen but couldn’t eat what was served. I honestly can’t remember the exact meal but after a few bites, I left the plate and went to Mammy market instead.
Later that morning, we had our first lecture session. I couldn’t concentrate. In fact, I dozed off midway through the session and woke up just before we were dismissed at 2pm for lunch which was yam porridge. After eating, I went back to the hostel to nap.
By 4pm, the bugle sounded again, calling us out for evening parade. That session was intense. The drills were physically demanding and by the time it ended around 5pm, I was so tired that I went straight to bed without eating.
Swearing-in Day At Benue NYSC Camp
Friday was our swearing-in day. After morning devotion, we were asked to go for breakfast, freshen up, and prepare for the event by 10am. By 9:45, soldiers started chasing everyone out of the hostels. We had to dress up in a hurry.
Before that day, I had taken my khaki uniform to a tailor in camp to help slim-fit it. That was when she pointed out that the shirt and trousers were made from different materials. It bothered me, but there was nothing I could do at that point. After the adjustment, I gave it to a dry cleaner to wash. Since I had been wearing the jacket frequently, I wanted it to be neat. I collected it that same morning.
By 10am, we were all lined up by platoon waiting for the governor’s arrival. While standing there, a camp photographer approached me and offered a photography deal. He said he would capture all my moments at Benue NYSC camp for ₦5,000. I accepted, since I didn’t come with a power bank and I was already paying ₦200 to charge my phone at Mami.
We stood under the sun for over an hour before the governor’s representative arrived and the swearing-in ceremony began. I wasn’t feeling well at all. My boots were too tight. I normally wear size 47 but I had been managing a size 46. Eventually, I took off the boots but I still felt dizzy. A soldier noticed and asked me to go sit under a shed. I washed my face, drank water, and tried to feel better.
At that point, I genuinely disliked camp. Everything felt like a punishment.
How I Escaped Parade
The Benue NYSC camp commandant addressed us after the swearing-in ceremony. He said camp had officially begun and that intense parade sessions would start that afternoon. He emphasized that the soldiers wouldn’t take it easy on us, especially after we responded “we’re not fine” when the governor’s representative asked how we were doing.
Later that morning, we had lectures from 9am to 2pm. Most of us tried to rest after lunch but by 4pm, we were summoned again. The soldiers didn’t waste time. Once we got to the parade ground, we were made to stand for a long time before the drills even started.
Those who performed well were selected for the main parade squad. Those of us who weren’t interested or just couldn’t cope were asked to stay aside. That was when our Platoon Officer told us that Platoon 10 needed 10 male and 10 female corps members for kitchen duty the next day. I volunteered immediately.
From the beginning, I had already planned to work in the kitchen as a way to avoid parade.
Social Nights At Benue NYSC Camp
That evening, we had our first official social night which was the welcome party. At first, most of us weren’t interested. We saw it as unnecessary and would have preferred to rest. But after a while, the DJ switched to Amapiano and the music lifted everyone’s mood. From that night onward, social nights at Benue NYSC camp became something to look forward to.
We were dismissed around 10pm and told to return to our hostels. The bugle man blew his horn for lights out by 11pm. That meant all lights were to be put off everyone indoors. But our block was known for being noisy. One night, the noise from our rooms attracted soldiers. They came in and dragged out a few guys as a warning. Luckily, nothing happened to them. They returned later and we all laughed it off.
That same night, I stopped by Mami market to buy a bag of pure water. There, I met a kind woman who later became my “camp mama.” She was friendly and helpful. She usually guided me around camp whenever I needed to buy something at a better price.
We talked for a while, and I told her how I felt about Benue NYSC camp, especially my experience on swearing-in day. She encouraged me to be open-minded and see the good in the place. When I complained about my tight boots, she told me to bring them the next day and directed me to a skilled shoemaker who extended the length of the shoes perfectly. I paid ₦4,000 and it was worth every kobo.
Joining Groups At The Orientation Camp
Saturday morning came and I forgot I had signed up for kitchen duty. By the time I remembered and ran to the kitchen, the slots had already been filled. Someone else had taken my place.
Back at the parade ground, they were rounding off morning exercises. An announcement followed about different camp activities. Most groups had already been joined. The only one left was SAED drama, so I joined it.
That same morning, we were taken to a shaded area under a mango tree. There, we were introduced to the SAED programme, what it entails, and the commitment expected from us. We were asked to return later for our first rehearsal.
Before we left the ground, our Platoon Officer addressed us about the upcoming inter-platoon competitions. These included football, volleyball, cooking, and the carnival. He encouraged everyone to participate in at least one activity.
I didn’t join the football team because I didn’t bring my boots to camp. I didn’t even know football boots were sold inside Benue NYSC camp. By that point, I was just glad to be part of the drama group and ready to focus on that for the rest of the camp.
How Benue NYSC Camp Became Interesting
That Saturday was declared Environmental Day. We were instructed to clean our rooms, but most of us didn’t take it seriously at first. Soldiers started moving from room to room for inspection.
In our room, one of my roommates was caught on a video call with his girlfriend, completely unaware that a soldier was watching him from behind. The soldier seized the phone and surprisingly, the girlfriend didn’t end the call. It was quite funny and awkward. The soldier shouted, “Instead make you dey clean, you dey talk to woman!” As punishment, he asked my roommate to pick up 600 pieces of used sachet water nylon before he could get his phone back.
We thought he was joking, but he wasn’t. It took him almost the whole day to complete the task before he finally got the phone returned.
Later in the day, after lunch and lectures, we resumed our SAED drama rehearsals. We were asked to perform a stage drama that would encourage corps members to take the SAED programme seriously. That was when camp started to feel exciting. We began preparing for the performance by assigning roles and building a solid team. Though I wasn’t acting in the final play, I contributed ideas and enjoyed being part of the creative process. By this time, I had stopped attending parade, and SAED became my major focus at Benue NYSC camp.
On Sunday, I decided to skip church and rest. We weren’t disturbed until 2pm before everyone change into the official white-and-white outfit. Even the kitchen stopped serving anyone who wasn’t dressed properly. I began eating NYSC camp food more regularly to save money even though mammy market food tasted better. Prices at mammy were high so I managed what was available. Later that afternoon, we resumed drama rehearsals and in the evening, we had another lively social night.
NYSC Camp Activities And Competitions
During one of our lectures, the camp maintenance officer announced they needed skilled corps members like electricians, plumbers, and others to join the maintenance team. I applied and joined. We handled light repairs and other minor maintenance work around Benue NYSC camp, and it was genuinely enjoyable. Around the same time, I also paid for relocation to Ogun State.
Our SAED performance eventually held. We acted on stage to educate other corps members about the benefits of SAED and encourage them to enroll in a skill track. After the presentation, we were informed that SAED rehearsals had ended and we would be required to return to the parade. I wasn’t happy about that, but there was no choice.
Later that week, our platoon officer announced we had been selected to represent Platoon 10 in the camp cultural dance and drama competition. I joined immediately. Thankfully, we were assigned Edo culture, which is my culture so I connected to the experience easily. I participated in the dance rehearsals and eventually performed the Edo cultural dance on stage. It was one of my favorite moments in Benue NYSC camp.
I met many new people, including a fellow corps member who shares my name. We became known as “the twins.” My platoon officer grew fond of me because of my active participation and it made camp more memorable.
Another highlight was when it was our turn to work in the camp kitchen again. This time, I showed up early and secured my spot. Kitchen duty was fun. We prepared beans, rice, and eba that day, and working alongside my Platoon 10 members created a good bonding experience. The kitchen staff were warm and accommodating. And of course, I got extra food, which is a wonderful perk for skipping parade.
The NYSC Camp Exit Experience
By late January 2025, I received a message that the TRCN exam I registered for would be held on February 7. I didn’t want to waste the ₦30,000 I had paid for registration so I began making inquiries about getting a camp exit. I informed my platoon leader, who directed me to speak with our platoon officer. After explaining my situation, I was asked to write a formal letter requesting permission to leave Benue NYSC camp for the exam. I submitted the letter, and my platoon officer signed it. He promised to forward it and said I’d be contacted.
I followed up multiple times, even calling to remind him. Eventually, I was directed to the officer in charge. But despite my efforts (showing receipts, text messages, and other proofs), my request was denied. I was disappointed, but I had no choice but to forfeit the exam.
While I was running around trying to sort the exit, I made sure I didn’t miss other important registrations in camp. I completed my camp ID process, the NYSC Book of Life, and the YOMA Africa online registration. We were told some corps members who ignored these steps had to return to Benue NYSC camp after leaving. I didn’t want to take that risk. YOMA Africa is a digital skills platform that offers soft skills training and opportunities. In Benue camp, registration for YOMA was compulsory. I’m not sure about other camps but it’s strongly advised to join it. The registration was simple and done online at yoma.world.
Punished For Escaping Parade
The NYSC camp competitions became intense and each platoon was determined to win. Some of us began hiding during rehearsals to protect our ideas because we noticed other platoons were copying. One particular day, we skipped parade to use the hall for rehearsals. Unfortunately, soldiers caught us. They didn’t take it lightly. They marched us to the parade ground and made us sit on the floor. Then, they collected our ID cards and told us to pick up 300 pieces of used sachet water nylon before our IDs would be returned. That evening, I didn’t have time to pick anything. We had to continue our rehearsals since our performance was scheduled for that night.
The next day, I found a way out. After the morning parade, I decided not to join rehearsals since our carnival presentation was still not properly planned. I went to watch the ongoing football competition instead. While sitting near the fence that separates Benue NYSC camp from the police academy, I noticed a large pile of sachet water nylons just outside the camp fence.
A friend had earlier told me that sachet nylons were becoming scarce inside camp. I quickly climbed over, counted 300 pieces, and returned to the soldier. He asked if it was complete, to which I replied affirmatively. He told me to dump it in the bin and handed my ID card back without counting. That evening, I told my roommates what happened. We laughed, especially remembering our roommate who had to pick 600 pieces just a week before.
Man O’ War Drilling At Benue NYSC Camp
The Man O’ War day came not long after. It was mandatory and we were instructed to wear our full khaki. We were also advised to wear our white shorts underneath, as the khaki might tear while climbing or crawling. We assembled at the parade ground and marched together to the Man O’ War training area.
Once we arrived, the trainer welcomed us to what he called the “Holy Ground.” He explained that every obstacle (the ropes, ladders, tires, tunnels, and barbed wires) represented life challenges. According to him, it wasn’t just about physical strength but also mental endurance, patience, and the importance of following the process. It was symbolic and meaningful.
Though the activities were physically demanding, it was a fulfilling experience. We were taught the value of teamwork and persistence. After the drills, we were asked to take passport photographs in our crested vests which cost ₦500. The Man O’ War commander also joined us for pictures. It was one of the more memorable moments at Benue NYSC camp, especially because of how it brought us together and taught real-life lessons.
NYSC Combat Parade And Carnival
On the day of the parade competition, each platoon had selected representatives to march on their behalf. Apart from regular marching, there was also a segment called combat parade. I joined that. The combat parade was different. We didn’t wear the usual white outfit. Instead, we dressed in full khaki, rubbed our faces with charcoal, attached leaves to our uniforms, and marched like we were going to war. Our trainer instructed us to sing loudly, raise dust, and march with force and purpose. It was chaotic but thrilling.
Soldiers judged the competition by checking our formation, alignment, arm swing, and tempo. We were Platoon 10, so we went last. We gave our best, shouting, singing, and kicking up dust. By the end of the event, we were announced as the winners of the combat parade. I lost my voice that day but I didn’t mind. That win was worth it and still stands as one of the proudest moments of my time at Benue NYSC camp.
The last Saturday in camp was carnival day. Camp had become so fun that many of us didn’t want it to end. After morning devotion, we had our final rehearsals. Costumes were distributed. The MC announced that Platoon 10 was coming up first but many of our dancers weren’t ready. So he skipped us and called Platoon 9. Thankfully, we were recalled and allowed to perform. I was dressed as a palace chief. We danced in front of top officials, including the state coordinator and camp director. We ended up in 4th overall position.
Cooking Competition And The Final Week
Right after the carnival, there was a cooking competition. Every platoon received portions of meat and was expected to prepare a traditional dish. Our team planned quickly. I volunteered to cook bitter leaf soup and eba which is a staple in Edo culture. Someone else chose to prepare Owo soup and yam. The camp kitchen was crowded, so while the rice team remained there, the cultural food groups went to mammy market. We pleaded with one of the vendors to let us use her cooking space which she agreed.
By 5:30pm, we were still rounding up when the competition was about to begin. One girl in our group started acting like she was the best cook and looked down on others. I was annoyed to the point that I didn’t eat the food. I quietly left, went to the hostel, had my bath, and returned to mammy to buy my own food. By 8:30pm, I went to the hall for social night. After that, I returned to my room, climbed my bunk, and slept peacefully, reflecting on how far I had come at Benue NYSC camp.
Sunday came which was our final Sunday. I didn’t plan to go to church but a friend convinced me. After church, I went to collect my photographs and the passport I took during Man O’ War. I rested until 4pm., then skipped the passing out parade rehearsal to sit with some soldiers for gist.
Monday was business as usual with devotion, lectures, and the last social night. The camp bar was buzzing. NYSC had paid the ₦33,000 allawee earlier, and many corps members had already spent a good portion. I didn’t like the okra soup served that evening so I went to Mami, bought suya and juice, and joined my platoon mates at the bar.
Final Day at Benue NYSC Camp
That Monday night was wild. After the social night, many went back to the bar where some got drunk. Around 10:30pm, a fight broke out in our hostel block. People were either arguing, laughing, or trying to separate the fight. One of my roommates vomited all over his bed. Eventually, soldiers arrived to calm things down. By this point, they were more like our friends. One jokingly accused someone of watching blue film and we all laughed.
Tuesday morning, which is the final day at Benue NYSC camp arrived. By 3am, we were already up. For the past few days, we didn’t need the bugle’s whistle anymore. Water was scarce because the camp’s pumping machine had developed a fault. Finding water was a daily struggle. Buckets would go missing. Sometimes, even water you fetched and kept under your bed would disappear. It wasn’t funny but it taught us to be smart and vigilant.
After the final morning devotion, we were told to reflect on our time in camp. The friendships we made, the challenges we faced, the laughs we shared and everything came rushing back. We packed our bags, left the hostels by 8am, and assembled for the passing out parade. With that, Benue NYSC camp officially came to an end.
The Journey Back To Lagos
By 11am, we started hearing that relocation messages were dropping. I tried checking mine but the portal was slow. Eventually by noon, I was able to log in and to the glory of God, I saw that my relocation to Ogun State was successful.
Many others were still checking around me. Some saw “processing,” while others saw different states from what they applied for. Some didn’t even get relocated at all and had already started calling their plugs to complain.
Not long after, our Platoon Officer called everyone out to collect their PPA letters. Many of my friends also did relocation so there was a mix of emotions in the air. Some were excited, some disappointed. Still, we were all grateful to be leaving Benue NYSC camp after a memorable time.
By 1pm, transport arrangements were in place. Buses heading to various states began arriving at the camp. One of my roommates who also got posted to Ogun State joined me on the same bus heading to Lagos. Our journey started around 2pm and continued through the night. By 11am the next day, we entered Lagos and I finally got home around 1pm.
It felt good to be back home. Everyone welcomed me warmly and kept hailing me “Corper.” My mum was especially happy to see me. I also stopped by to greet my pastor and his wife. Despite the stress, I felt fulfilled. The experience at Benue NYSC camp has become a part of my story.
The Documentation After NYSC Relocation
A few days later, I began the documentation process in Ogun State. I was advised to go with a request letter which I did. Even paid someone at the office to help with PPA posting. I was aiming for a school in Ota Local Government because it’s closer to Ojo in Lagos. I wanted to be going from home. But it didn’t work out.
Instead, I was posted to Ijebu Waterside which was far from Lagos and close to Ondo State. At first, I didn’t like it. I tried to leave again, but the amount I was told to pay for reposting was just too much. I decided to stay. Over time, I got used to the place. It’s quiet, and the people are friendly.
My PPA Experience
I resumed at my Place of Primary Assignment in March and to be honest, the first few weeks were tough. There was no electricity in the area. I considered leaving, but the costs of reposting were discouraging so I had no other choice but to adjust. I taught in a school and got paid ₦11,000 monthly. It’s not a lot but it managed my expenses well.
There’s still no power supply so I usually charge my phone and gadgets at a neighbor’s house. He runs his generator daily. I also tutor his children after school, and he pays me for that. My accommodation is just opposite my PPA, so I don’t spend money on transportation except when I’m going for clearance. So far, I’m enjoying the teaching experience and learning every day.
The community here is known for garri production. My landlady is so kind and accommodating that she sometimes gives me Ijebu garri. It’s their local business here. That gesture made me feel welcome. The experience after the Benue NYSC camp really helped me grow.
Advice To Prospective Corps Members
- Be open-minded. You may not get your preferred state, but it might end up being the experience you needed.
- Pack early. Don’t wait till the last minute to buy your camp essentials.
- Stay informed. Join the NYSC WhatsApp group for updates and guidance.
- Network and participate. Get involved in activities. It makes camp more meaningful.
- Adapt quickly. Embrace the differences in culture, people, and food.
- Trust the process. What feels like a mistake (Benue, in my case) might be a blessing in disguise.
- Watch your spending. If you don’t have much, avoid unnecessary expenses in camp, especially mammy market. Some girls love it there so you will spend all your money if you’re not careful.
I’m currently serving as the Chief Whip in my CDS group, and I enjoy it. You can check out our activities on TikTok by searching for “Ibiade Corpers.”
I am Ehiane Osemudiamen, and this was my NYSC journey from Benue NYSC camp to Ogun State.
Thanks for reading.