Greetings!
Going through my Google Photos this Thursday morning, I couldn't help but smile as I came across a series of pictures filled with good memories. I couldn’t just let them go, so I decided to write an article about a particular event from 2019 in response to the #ThrowbackThursday today.
Seeing the photos reminded me of how long it has been since I served my dear nation in the compulsory one-year service for graduates in Nigeria, known as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). This program is widely recognized in the country, but within it, there is an even more popular trend called RURAL RUGGED. Wondering what that is?
Well, Rural Rugged is a term used to describe a very radical outreach program organized by Christian corps members and it's done in the Rural area of the State. It involves sharing items such as food, clothing, and household essentials, rendering services to a selected rural community, and spreading the Word of God as well.
This event took place during my service year, and not only did it happen in the very community where I was serving, but I also had the privilege of being the leader of the organization in that community. As a result, I witnessed everything from the planning stages to the execution.
It happened in a rural community in the Eastern part of Nigeria, Imo State. That's where I was posted to serve for the one year.
Before the event began, once my community was selected, there was a lot of movement and preparation. We had to meet with the King of the land to seek permission, engage with government and private school owners to secure a location for camping, and also reach out to different church leaders for their support(not finances though). It was quite challenging because many of these individuals did not pay much attention to godly activities, but after much persuasion—along with prayers—they eventually agreed.
The first day was dedicated to a rally, and that’s when some of the photos below were taken. These are my friends—very supportive individuals—and two of them are even in this Blockchain. Meanwhile, while these pictures were being snapped, I was busy running back and forth, trying to resolve issues, especially with the villagers who refused to let us set up our instruments in the field. This was despite the fact that we had already obtained permission from the school and the King of the village.
Nevertheless, the event kicked off successfully. Several services were rendered, including the distribution of clothing items to the villagers, free medical care for those in need, free haircuts, and free hair plaiting for the women.
It was a four-day event, and throughout those days, there was hardly any proper rest. However, we never felt tired—we were joyful as we engaged in all the activities. And oh, the funniest moments came during mealtime! You needed to see how long the food queues were. Sometimes, the food didn’t even reach everyone because Rural Rugged is not a government-sponsored program, nor is it funded by any major organization. It is primarily sponsored by the NYSC members themselves(We contributed money for the event).
I remember one particular day when food didn’t get to some of the people around me because we were busy attending to an assignment. Since I was the leader, I was given a portion of food, but I couldn’t bring myself to eat while others were left out. So, we had to share the little portion we had together.
It was very fun and I thank God always for making me to experience it in my lifetime and also giving me to privilege to work as a leader in the organisation.
Thanks for reading.
All photos are mine. Some of them are blurred already because of the quality of the Camera used back then. The designed tract(the event tract) was given to us for free usage
This was a lovely event that you guys did for those rural dwellers.
This is very fine dear friend. So I can call you x copper! Abi ? Hahaha 😂. You did a very good job serving your dear country.
Thanks for sharing
Ex copper , you did well