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A review by aish_dols
Memoirs of a 'Lazy Korfa' by Tunmise Usikalu
5.0
It was intriguing and extremely nostalgic reading Tunmise Usikalu's 'Memoirs of a Lazy Korfa' as my orientation camp was in Kogi state (in 2018) and hers, in Kano(in 2004). Well, I could relate to a lot of things in the book.
Chude Jideonwo, in the foreword wrote that 'This generation doesn't document enough of its stories' and I agree. It's beautiful that the author has written her personal day to day experience in the NYSC Camp.
For non-Nigerians, who don't know, NYSC is National Youth Service Corps, a programme for Nigerian graduates (since 1973) that has been in place to help foster national unity regardless of tribe, or religion. So graduates are posted to all parts of the country – North, South, East and West and it can be hectic and frustrating leaving the comfort of your own state and home for this adventure, trust me!
Tunmise wrote of the drama from day one! Registration to queues, the quality of food in camp, the kit, the quick 'feelings' developed for the other gender (confined spaces syndrome), the parade, the Mami market, the swift friendships, the hostel palava, the soldiers and their extreme highs and shouts.
Do you know we have to wake up as early as 4:00am to get ready for parade? That we had to adjust to the sanitary conditions in camp? That we had to physically and mentally challenge ourselves? Tunmise documented these perfectly well and I was laughing a whole lot while reading!
The author didn't miss anything. The unruliness of graduates, their irresponsible acts (There were bars at Mami market & some did get drunk and even 'misbehaved', marital status or not). Does this happen every year? Tunmise also had issues because she was in a relationship outside camp and yet guys were professing their undying love for her. Please read this book to have a feel and more.
Chude Jideonwo, in the foreword wrote that 'This generation doesn't document enough of its stories' and I agree. It's beautiful that the author has written her personal day to day experience in the NYSC Camp.
For non-Nigerians, who don't know, NYSC is National Youth Service Corps, a programme for Nigerian graduates (since 1973) that has been in place to help foster national unity regardless of tribe, or religion. So graduates are posted to all parts of the country – North, South, East and West and it can be hectic and frustrating leaving the comfort of your own state and home for this adventure, trust me!
Tunmise wrote of the drama from day one! Registration to queues, the quality of food in camp, the kit, the quick 'feelings' developed for the other gender (confined spaces syndrome), the parade, the Mami market, the swift friendships, the hostel palava, the soldiers and their extreme highs and shouts.
Do you know we have to wake up as early as 4:00am to get ready for parade? That we had to adjust to the sanitary conditions in camp? That we had to physically and mentally challenge ourselves? Tunmise documented these perfectly well and I was laughing a whole lot while reading!
The author didn't miss anything. The unruliness of graduates, their irresponsible acts (There were bars at Mami market & some did get drunk and even 'misbehaved', marital status or not). Does this happen every year? Tunmise also had issues because she was in a relationship outside camp and yet guys were professing their undying love for her. Please read this book to have a feel and more.