A Nigerian man on Twitter has explained the emotions they felt as a corp member whom the community loved left the community after service
In a long post on Twitter, Mr Toyosi narrates the story
“A corps member at my lodge left for the East today. He’s traveled before, but this time, he left for good. Never to come back.
As his car zoomed off, his pal, a 1-year-old girl named Amanda cried. It was as if she knew Richard was leaving her. NYSC break-up is harsh!
I have witnessed three corps members leave like this, but Richard’s own was the most emotional. He was a likable person and every – and I mean EVERYONE – had grown to love him in the community.
On his last the birthday, the community hosted a football tournament to celebrate him
Politicians came to promote themselves. Artistes came to perform. All for a corps member that is not even from the community.
Back to Amanda.
Amanda is a 1-year-old toddler in my lodge. She started walking this year, and can only mutter a few words.
Richard is her best friend. In the morning, as soon as she leaves her house, she heads straight to Richard’s room. And Richard, in his usual way, would lift her in the air and dance around in a happy gait. She runs happily whenever he calls her “Smalla”
Amanda’s parents are Igbo. But they had lived long enough in the North to speak Hausa fluently. Seeing an Igbo corps member play with their daughter so well naturally built their relationship. Richard ate their food. Played with them. Taught their kids. He was free with them.
This morning, when I saw Amanda’s father’s face. He was very sad. He kept muttering, “We will meet again”.
Richard entered the car. Amanda cried. Emotions rushed through my veins, knowing I might never see this guy again.
Richard is gone. All we have of him now are memories.