To Serve Nigeria was a good Choice
I’ve always dreamt of having my National Youth Service in Lagos. I grew up in the city. I studied at the University of Lagos. Lagos is home. Drawn by the endless possibilities and the stories I’ve heard about the stress associated with NYSC in Nigeria, the thought of returning home each day to a well-cooked home meal seemed like the perfect antidote to daily stress. I wasn’t interested in the idea of exploration, and my parents were not open to having me far from home due to the insecurity in the country.
You can imagine my disappointment when I checked my call-up letter and saw Ogun State. Premium Tears!
The Ogun State Camp
I arrived at the Ogun State camp and found solace in the friendships I formed. Fellow corps members turned friends turned into a support system. We would gist and make jokes about our predicament as we stayed in the long queues to fetch water; we would do random snaps of each other’s reactions to the first time we tasted a particular food from the kitchen; take pictures of funny sleeping postures during the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Department, SAED lectures; and buy comfort food when we could, with each of us sharing our hopes and struggles.
Together, we navigated the ups and downs of camp life, and I realised that sometimes, the unexpected paths lead to the most meaningful connections. The three weeks came to an end, and goodbyes were hard.
Redeployment to Lagos
After the camp experience, I redeployed to Lagos. I was posted to complete the service year with BudgIT, an organisation I had never heard of before. I felt excitement and anxiety when I entered the office on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Everyone looked well-dressed like they knew exactly what they were doing with their lives.
I was assigned to the Tracka team, and coincidentally, that day was the team’s strategy meeting for the year. When I joined in and listened to my team members discuss plans and goals, I thought, “Am I ever going to catch up?” However, I got distracted by the delicious aroma of the fresh snacks our team lead got us, and I reminded myself. We Die Here!
My first task was to write a minute for our strategy meeting, and I had no prior experience writing meeting minutes. I consulted everyone I knew who could help me; it just had to be perfect! It wasn’t near perfect, but I am way better now.
To my relief, my team lead and members were welcoming and supportive. They took the time to help me navigate the office environment. Ayomide Ladipo, my team lead, who we refer to as ‘Ayo’, introduced me to everyone at the office, not leaving out that I am a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, and we were fasting! (I don’t know why😂)
Later that day, Ayo helped me talk to people who stayed in my area to make commuting easier. I felt incredibly grateful, especially knowing that no one was obligated to help me, but they helped me anyway.
Growth and Challenges
The following months were a whirlwind of experiences. I encountered various challenges that tested my balance, but I also found growth opportunities. As the months went by, I better understood what we do at BudgIT and Tracka. I began understanding the organisation’s impact on Nigeria. Initially, I was unaware that such dedicated efforts were being made to enhance our country’s governance and transparency. BudgIT’s mission to simplify public data and make it accessible to citizens opened my eyes to the power of informed participation.
I had to learn how to do new things and how to do them fast. I knew the workplace language, picked up on office politics, and discovered the importance of professional relationships. I built new relationships and faced some challenging moments.
During my service year, one incident stood out. I was responsible for delivering a project, and I flopped. After THE CALL with my team lead, I questioned whether I belonged in a corporate setting and contemplated starting my own business instead. Yet, that moment became a turning point. It taught me what responsibility in the office space meant. I began to understand how to communicate effectively and navigate conflict.
Another challenging experience was being put in charge of the Community Champions’ social media page. Social media has never been my strong suit, and I often shied away from roles that involve managing it. But when this task was assigned to me, it was a wake-up call. I started seeking ways to make the page effective and engaging. While I’m not perfect at it, I’m steadily improving and gaining confidence with each post I create.
I also went on to do more, such as becoming the Active Citizen Festival event manager. I had to make sure our plans were executed effectively. The to-do list sometimes felt overwhelming, but I saw this experience as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. I learnt the importance of organisation, communication, and adaptability.
The Runaway Festival Manager
The Active Citizen Festival was not just Nigeria’s largest civic celebration; it was a vibrant milestone, marking the 10th anniversary of Tracka, the service delivery arm of BudgIT. For me, a new member of the Tracka team, celebrating this significant occasion was particularly exciting. I felt like I had stumbled into a spin of creativity, eager to contribute to something inspiring.
At our first meeting, Ayo, our leader, asked who would like to take on the role of the event manager. Without thinking twice, I volunteered. Everyone laughed, and I got a high five that said, “You don’t know what you’re signing up for!”
The festival planning process was an epic adventure! It felt like we were preparing for a grand expedition with countless meetings, market runs, and unexpected trips to the venue. Each week, we gathered around, whether online or on-site, brainstorming ideas that ranged from the brilliant to the utterly ridiculous.
At our initial meeting, Ayo, the head of the planning committee, proposed we create content and post every day for 30 days leading up to the event. What followed was a marathon brainstorming session that stretched over six hours. We scribbled down ideas, debated their merits, and even threw in a few silly concepts. It was thrilling yet exhausting, and by the end of it, we had a treasure of content ideas, each requiring careful execution.
The execution of these content pieces ran alongside our festival planning. From designing eye-catching graphics to filming short videos, every day had new challenges. We had to adapt quickly. Sometimes, our plans fell through, leading to last-minute content changes that required panic-fueled creativity.
Market runs became regular, where we scoured local shops for souvenirs and adire fabrics. I vividly recall one trip where we were meant to pick up one batch of souvenirs. Things became chaotic in the market as the vendors we had already paid didn’t show up. After much back-and-forth in that market, with everyone tired, we had to leave. Later that week, after things had been sought out, we laughed at our misadventures and the inevitable mix-ups.
Despite the challenges, I genuinely enjoyed every moment. The bond we built as a team made the long hours worthwhile. There were countless inside jokes, shared snacks (many physical meetings had lunch sponsored by Ayo), and bursts of laughter that made the hard work feel lighter. It was one of those experiences that truly tested our limits but also brought us closer together.
Festival Day
The day of the festival came so quickly. As I arrived at the venue, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Just a day before, the space had been an empty hall, echoing with the sounds of our planning discussions and preparations. Now, it has been transformed into a lively hub of activity!
Walking through the space, I marvelled at how our collective vision had come to life. Booths filled with great designs and information about Tracka’s civic engagement and Nigeria’s history were carefully set up. The lights brought life to the hall, mixing with the sound of music. It was a sight to behold!
As a team member being celebrated (A.K.A omo olodun), I found myself everywhere at once, darting from one corner of the hall to another, ensuring everything was running smoothly. I checked in on the people at the registration stand, ensuring there was no long queue, providing people who registered for the event with their wrist tags and meal tickets, receiving the panellist and ensuring they were attended to.
The excitement was palpable as attendees began to pour in. Seeing so many young people engaging with the festival, participating in the games, enjoying the music, and other fun activities was rewarding. My heart swelled with pride as I watched the community come together to celebrate Tracka.
As the festival rolled on, there were moments of pure joy, like when I heard a loud noise from the stage and found out an exciting dance competition was happening. Also, when the people playing games got very passionate, they started to cheer loudly at the game booth. It was chaotic but utterly delightful.
By the end of the day, we were all exhausted. My feet ached from running around, but a wave of satisfaction washed over me as I looked around at the smiling faces and the vibrant atmosphere. We had pulled off an incredible event, and it was clear that everyone had a fantastic time.
You may wonder why this is titled “The Runaway Event Manager.” Somewhere along the line, I conveniently left out the part where I had stylishly dropped the event manager role because I didn’t know what I was signing up for.
Trips
Another highlight of the year was working on the Oyo documentary. This project was not just about shooting a documentary; it was an experience that allowed me to see the impact of our advocacy firsthand. From travelling to Oyo to lodging in a funny hotel in Ibadan, every moment was filled with excitement and learning.
The fieldwork aspect was particularly eye-opening. I had the chance to meet people who had directly benefited from our advocacy. Listening to them tell their stories gave me a new perspective on the importance of our work and its real-life implications. It reminded me that our efforts at BudgIT and Tracka were not just theoretical; they were making tangible differences in people’s lives, and in the end, that is all that matters.
My Team
One of the most vibrant aspects that stood out was the team I worked with. Each member of the Tracka team brought something unique to the table, making our workspace lively and productive.
As I mentioned previously, Ayo is my team lead. She is very warm but strict! I am grateful to work with Ayo because she knows her onions. I have had opportunities to learn and grow. One thing I love about Ayo is that what you see is what you get. If straightforward were a person, it would be her.
Mr Joshua is a father figure who likes to crack jokes and try to lighten the mood. But beyond the jokes, he likes to offer advice when we need it most. Whether it’s navigating work challenges or personal dilemmas, he’s always there with thoughtful words.
Then there’s Deborah, my friend. We call her the “Gen Z baddie,” she truly lives up to the name. Her trendy style and vibrant energy bring a fresh perspective to our team. Sitting beside each other, we often find ourselves deep in conversation, sharing everything from work-related topics to our personal lives. I cherish the bond we’ve formed.
I also had the opportunity to assist in the People and Performance team. The head of this team, Ijeoma Chukwuma, was very welcoming. She is strongly committed to excellence, ensuring our work is done on time and to the highest standard. What I appreciate most about her is her ability to inject humour into our work. She always makes light-hearted jokes, which keeps the atmosphere lively.
Kofoworola is not a member of my team, but this won’t be complete without me mentioning her. We started working in BudgIT on the same day. We faced similar challenges and supported each other, tackling our monthly clearances and many more adventures. Kofo has been an incredible friend, always going the extra mile to ensure I’m happy. I’m genuinely grateful to have navigated this year alongside her.
Our Country Director, Mr Gabriel, made the workplace welcoming with his jokes and fatherly advice. Whenever he sees me at the office, he asks, “Sisi, are you okay? Are you sure?” That gesture made me feel welcome and safe in the organisation.
Looking Back with Gratitude
As my NYSC days close, I reminisce about this transformative journey. I am grateful for the growth I’ve experienced. The opportunities to learn and evolve, the people I have met, the friendships I made, and the lessons that shaped my professional outlook made the whole year worth it.
The memories and experiences will remain a foundation for my future endeavours. Witnessing the work done by my colleagues made me realise how vital such initiatives are for a country striving for progress. Seeing a group of people so committed to effecting change was inspiring and made my service feel more worthwhile. I learnt that change doesn’t happen in isolation. I discovered that participating, even in small ways, can lead to a significant impact.
BudgIT helped me understand that every voice matters. By engaging with the community and contributing to discussions about governance and development, I became part of a larger movement to improve our nation. This shift in perspective was empowering. I plan to continue the spirit of resilience into whatever comes next, knowing that every challenge is a stepping stone towards growth.
Serving Nigeria didn’t turn out all bad eventually. In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others who may find themselves on unexpected paths. May you find purpose in the new path and encounter a place like BudgIT.
