WhatsApp Story

Last week I had a once in a lifetime event.

If you know me, you will know teaching is something I like to do. It gives me joy, a joy that neither Jollof rice nor Ribena gives. I’ll tell you why some other time.

You know how you can be bored and you remember…lemme check WhatsApp status and just laugh before heading to TikTok. Oyindamola isn’t one person whose status that I go to for laughs, well because it’s Oyindamola (no offence my dear *kisses*).

Anyways, I stumbled on something that she put up. Immediately I saw it, something within me said…it’s meant for you. Then ofcos, HARD GUY kicked in! I walked past it. In my mind, “what’s my own”?!

It was a workday, I went about my office activities which were intense at that moment because we were preparing for an event.

First of all, I would like to appreciate people who work in customer service; especially those who have to make a lot of calls — I celebrate you guys.

I had to call a lot of people for the event, remind them about their hotel accommodations, how they will be transported and their meal plan for the event. I must say, Professors are very interesting people.

So, my mind didn’t move away from it. It just kept going back to it; felt like the Holy Spirit wanted me to see something. I heard my ancestors from Lafiaji whispering “Look Again, don’t be stubborn”. I mean, if you’ve ever seen the bad boys wearing the Eyo Attire, you’ll know they can be persistent.

So I went back to the post.

After a few minutes of understanding what it was about, I responded and asked her (Remember her name? Oyindamola. Awesome, you’re following) about the post, she then gives a long description of what it’s about. Immediately, I knew I had to volunteer.

A couple of days down the line, it was time to head for camp. I was nervous and excited at the same time.

What camp yea?

Please hold while we go on a short break.

So, Solid Foundation Ministry (teens and youth ministry) is an NGO whose main aim is to build the future one teenager at a time. They have 4 different services:

• Solid camp (which I volunteered to be a part of); an annual camp that creates a spiritual unforgettable and life-changing experience for teenagers.
• Capacity Building: help churches build departments and outreaches, train workers and equip parents with effective resources in raising their teens.
• Solid Gold: an annual music event.
• D&C: Look at you and your dirty mind. SMH. No, it doesn’t mean what you think, it means Decision and Commitment — it’s the drive for premarital sex abstinence among young people.

Solid Foundation Ministry; remember the name.

Thank you very much for staying with me on the little break, I had to give you the necessary information you needed.

Where was I?

AHA!

Yes. I was nervous.

Ofcos I had been to other camps for teenagers and all.

Ofcos I have volunteered on different things before.

So why was I?

I had never been to a Solid Foundation camp before. All the camps I had gone to, I went with a lotta people that I know.

But this one? I was going to this camp — knowing only one person.

It started on Wednesday, I couldn’t get there till Thursday night. I left work at about 6:15 pm, had to go home to pick my bags (that I hadn’t packed.) Traffic was a bit fair, I got home before 7:30 pm; it was time to pack. Her Royal Highness already made a checklist for me, so packing was quite easy.

So I check traffic, it says 40mins to redemption camp. Ladies and gentlemen, the odds are in my favour.

Eyin Temi, Bawo ni ooooooooooooooooooooo

So I’m like “I should call a cab”, to help with the things I needed to carry. Uber and Taxify didn’t seem like a good idea, so I reach out to the local forces; the first guy says I should pay 10k.

Please how much is Lamborghini? That you want to collect 10k to carry me from Berger to Redemption Camp. I didn’t even bother again.

I took a cold shower, got dressed, wore my pretty boy swaggu, picked my bags and headed for the road. Got to Berger, checked the traffic for, 45mins. (My Lafiaji people — Chop knuckle)

And then I was looking for a straight bus. Looked at my watch — 08:30.

So I saw one nice Bajaj parked. I approached.

Me: My Oga, redemption camp.

Bike man “Oga Pastor, I greet you. 1k Sir”.

And the journey started.

No hiccups. About 30mins later, I arrived at Redemption Camp Gate.

I had someone pick me from the gate to take me to the venue in camp. In case you didn’t know, know this now, camp is about the same size as Surulere and expanding — so no I couldn’t walk to the venue.

After stopping to have a quick chat with the family that lives on camp and I proceeded to the venue.

I got there and I stood outside for a WHILE. I WAS SCARED.

Will I get it right? Is this a good decision? Am I good enough?

In the famous words of my village people “Omo Eko on gbe last”. (Lagos Boy no dey carry last)

*Deep breath*

I walked in.

First of all, ladies and gentlemen, I had a SWELL time.

I had to work in the Admin unit; what I call the Quarterback unit.

We had to make sure everything went well. So we were on our feet most of the time because there was always something to do. I’m sure you can imagine making sure — logistics, kitchen, programs, and all went according to plan. Yes, it was a lotta work. it was my first time, so I had to always take instructions on what to do.

Did I forget to say? I was the only guy in my department. LOOOOOOOOOOOL. Women are really the salt of the earth.

Amid everything, my favourite time was sleep time.

The earliest time I went to bed was 3 am. So why was this fun?

I was in the same room with the older teens. 16 upwards.

And ofcos, boys will be boys. A few moments in camp and feelings were flying upandan.

I remember closing my eyes at about 3:30 am. Monitors had prayers at 5 am. So yes, it was a nap.

The second night (Saturday morning) — I got in at 4 am. I tried to sleep, couldn’t close my eyes till 5 am. Yes, I missed the monitors' prayers and then God decided, I was not gonna go scot-free.

I was awakened by an argument at like 7 am. I was upset by the shouting however too tired to move. I was gonna move at some point but I heard the angels whisper “listen to gist Uncle”.

Boy 1: So you dey fear the girl abi?
Boy 2: Why I go dey fear am?
Boy 3: Don’t blame him, the babe fine gaaaaaaaaaan.

I said a silent prayer “Lord, thank you for this premium gist. I’m here for this”

DJ, please play me “Edumare soro mi dayo — Grand Commander Ebenezer Obey”