By Emma Okereh
Imaobong Isaiah Peter is a corps member who just passed out and she speaks about life in Abuja as well as the NYSC orientation camp in Kubwa.
Can you give us a brief about yourself
My name is Imaobong Isaiah Peter and I am from Akwa Ibom State. I graduated from Akwa Ibom State University where I studied Animal Sciences and was posted to Abuja by the National Youth Service Corps for my service year.
How was life at the NYSC Orientation Camp at Kubwa
Life in camp was very interesting as security was very tight and there was discipline. Hostels were also neat and there was a lost and found basket, where items misplaced by corps members were kept for them to recover.
As regards feeding, I did not like the camp food and at times the food was not enough. Some times when I get to the canteen, I am told food is finished and I have to go to mammy market to buy food.
Anyway, I met new friends and the camp officials were nice.
After orientation where were you posted for your Primary Assignment and did you enjoy the place?
I was posted to the National Assembly for my primary assignment and worked with the National Assembly’s Committee on Agric Institutions and Colleges. I was in the office of the clerk and my duties were almost like that of an office assistant as I was typing as well as distributing letters and arranging halls for meetings.
Last year during the budget defence, my boss surprised and won my heart when she told her staff that everyone in the office including corps members are staff members of the committee and she gave corps members some amount of money for transport and the Christmas celebration.
Since you have experienced life as a corps member, will you support the call for the scrapping of NYSC?
No I don’t support the call for scrapping of the NYSC as it is an avenue for youths of other tribes, culture and schools to meet and exchange ideas. It is also another viable avenue for learning among youths.
Throughout your one year service in Abuja, did you find love?
I didn’t find love as I was more interested in ensuring that I pass out successfully from the NYSC and get my discharge certificate.
What did you find interesting in the FCT?
There are job opportunities in the FCT and you meet influential people. Another interesting aspect I found out is that as a corps member you are well respected. When a corps member steps into any company or facility, he or she is allowed to walk through the gate with slight inquires.
I was earning N33,000 monthly as a corps member and was able to go through the one year NYSC service year successfully in Abuja.
