....... AND THEIR OFFENCE WAS
The suspense sent the entire camp community into traumatic frenzy as the anchor of the Morning Meditation thundered and roared like a wounded lion that had it tail cut, his incisors removed and canines damaged.
"Those of you that have been called out, 246 corps members in number, you have contravened the NYSC Act and Bye-Laws. If I have the privilege, all of you would have been marched into the guard room, pending the time we shall call you next of kin and inform them that we are de-kitting and sending you back home for committing serious breach which is capable of throwing this camp into wild turmoil and pandemonium".
The anchor who had disappointment written all over his face, then called on the foremost corps member in the Sunshine State to address the entire corps members. As if the State Coordinator was not happy with what was going on, he tarried before coming out but not until the Chief Executive Officer has shown his displeasure by the unfriendly look he presented.
The amiable administrator took the microphone and equally used the military voice to call the whole camp to order, saying that he was disappointed despite the warnings and admonitions that camp is regimented and that corps members should exhibit and display high sense of discipline and decorum at all times.
The State Coordinator called the Camp Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) and gave instruction that all the military instructors should assemble immediately so that they can lead the 'so called culprits' into their various hostels to pack their belongings and leave the camp with immediate effect and automatic alacrity.
The whole environment worn a remorseful, dejected and gloomy look because how could a camp de-kit and send out of camp close to 250 service-oriented members of the service corps? This development has never happened before and it is unprecedented in the history of NYSC.
The 'alleged culprits' were all dejected and wore sad looks with several questions running through their minds as to what could have been their offence. The Coordinator kept expressing his disgust at the conduct of the 'apprehended' corps members since the commencement of the orientation course exercise.
What was the offence of this supposedly outstanding and excellent corps members, the answer came to fore with the introduction of NYSC Parade Band into the scene as if acting a movie and they left unsuspecting entire camp community in awe as the wind instrument (trumpets, saxophones and trombones) bursted out with 'happy birthday to you' tune which rented the air.
The tears of joy flowed freely as no one needed to be told again what their offence was. The suspense well played out gave way to rest of mind as these great and committed Nigerians who left their comfort zone to serve the nation in Ondo, the Sunshine State and were celebrated specially having been earlier subjected the public court, and were being convicted of big offence to have been born in the month of April.
The celebrations that followed was indescribable as the number one corps member, Sam Pepple led other Principal Camp Officials to the dancing floor to celebrate the great Nigerian graduate youths. As usual with such celebrations, all the celebrants cut a symbolic giant birthday cake and photographs taken. The huge cake was thereafter shared among the special corps members, their platoons and camp officials.
Congratulations to all April born corps members, not only in NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko in Ondo State but the nation at large.
............. NYSC Ondo State, doing things differently with uncommon passion
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