My Experience at Kogi Asaya NYSC Camp

      My Experience at Kogi Asaya NYSC Camp

At first, the NYSC orientation camp at Kogi Asaya seemed like a test of endurance. I found myself complaining about nearly everything—from the early wake-up calls to the cold, biting mornings filled with endless drilling, parading  and marching. The demands of camp life felt overwhelming.

But as the days passed, something shifted. Slowly, I began to embrace the routine. The early wake-up calls that once seemed torturous became part of my rhythm. The drills, though still tough, started to feel like a shared challenge that brought us, the corps members, closer together.

Soon, I found myself stepping out of my comfort zone and participating in various platoon competitions. 

These activities gave me a sense of camaraderie and belonging that I hadn’t anticipated. One of the most transformative experiences was joining the Orientation Broadcasting Station (OBS) as a reporter. 

The OBS allowed me to tap into my communication skills and gave me a platform to interact with others in a meaningful way. Reporting not only became a role I enjoyed but a pathway to build valuable connections.

Through this role, I met incredible people—fellow corps members, camp officials, and even professionals from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). Networking became a natural part of my daily life, and I began to see the camp as more than just a test of patience. It became a place of opportunity.

 

The inter-platoon debate competition was another highlight. Competing with fierce determination, my platoon and I fought hard and came tantalizingly close to victory, securing second place by the smallest of margins. Despite the narrow miss, the experience taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, resilience, and perseverance.

Looking back, my time at the Kogi Asaya camp was more than just a phase—it was a journey of self-discovery and growth. What started as a series of complaints transformed into an experience I will cherish forever, one filled with lessons, friendships, and opportunities that I would never have encountered elsewhere.