They are in there

Whether you know it or not

They are sufferring

Creations thought of little worth

Deep in the interiors on the hills of Akoko

I saw their anguish

Little did I know before

But now, I can distinguish

What is pain and what is hunger

What brings hate and all the anger.

The faces of their children

So pale and expectant

Parents looked at me with yearning

As they imagined the day their children too- would be serving

Their houses were archaic

Where is civilization?

Mud made story-buildings

With little ventilation

They have fruits and very tall trees

Also they have lots of fresh honey

Because, my God they have bees

I will have a wonderful time

I’m sure of this

No matter how difficult it looks

I really don’t want to miss this

The secret is looking for the best in people

The gift is in celebrating it

I will take my time and settle here

I will serve Nigeria, me in my NYSC kit.

 

Rachel Ogbu served in Ekiti State, Nigeria and was involved in voluntary and other charity work in Ado-Ekiti.

She won the National Youth Service Corps State Director’s Recognition Award for hard work and service to the community.

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30 Days 30 Voices series is an opportunity for young Nigerians from across the world to share their stories and experiences – creating a meeting point where our common humanity is explored.

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.