The sun was still rising over the parade ground when Ada first noticed Chike. They were both in their freshly issued NYSC khaki uniforms—awkwardly big, slightly dusty, but full of promise. Camp life was tough: early morning drills, endless lectures, and the constant rush to “fall in.” Yet somehow, amidst the noise of whistles and chants, Ada always found herself looking out for him.
Chike was quiet but carried himself with an ease that drew people in. He noticed Ada too—the way she laughed loudly at jokes in the hostel corridor, or how she gave her all during platoon football matches. One evening, fate sat them side by side during the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship training. What started as small talk about sewing machines and business plans soon blossomed into something deeper.
As the days went by, they became inseparable—sharing meals at the camp’s mami market, rehearsing together for platoon drama night, even sneaking in short walks under the stars after lights-out. Other corps members teased them: “See as camp love dey start o!” But theirs was different—it wasn’t just camp love, it was real.
After passing-out parade, while others exchanged numbers that would soon fade, Ada and Chike made a promise. Service year scattered them across communities, but every weekend they traveled to see each other. They wrote letters, sent endless texts, and cheered each other on through the challenges of rural postings.
By the end of their service year, Chike stood again in his khaki, not on the parade ground this time, but on one knee. “Ada,” he said, “NYSC brought us together. Now let’s serve life together.
Suzzybest
45 days agoNYSC Love Story
The sun was still rising over the parade ground when Ada first noticed Chike. They were both in their freshly issued NYSC khaki uniforms—awkwardly big, slightly dusty, but full of promise. Camp life was tough: early morning drills, endless lectures, and the constant rush to “fall in.” Yet somehow, amidst the noise of whistles and chants, Ada always found herself looking out for him.
Chike was quiet but carried himself with an ease that drew people in. He noticed Ada too—the way she laughed loudly at jokes in the hostel corridor, or how she gave her all during platoon football matches. One evening, fate sat them side by side during the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship training. What started as small talk about sewing machines and business plans soon blossomed into something deeper.
As the days went by, they became inseparable—sharing meals at the camp’s mami market, rehearsing together for platoon drama night, even sneaking in short walks under the stars after lights-out. Other corps members teased them: “See as camp love dey start o!” But theirs was different—it wasn’t just camp love, it was real.
After passing-out parade, while others exchanged numbers that would soon fade, Ada and Chike made a promise. Service year scattered them across communities, but every weekend they traveled to see each other. They wrote letters, sent endless texts, and cheered each other on through the challenges of rural postings.
By the end of their service year, Chike stood again in his khaki, not on the parade ground this time, but on one knee. “Ada,” he said, “NYSC brought us together. Now let’s serve life together.
She said yes.