MY UNDILUTED REVIEW ON LIVING IN DELTA

Dear Deltans,

On 26th June -16th July 2024, my life changed. I moved states for NYSC. For those who don't know what NYSC is, I'll explain. NYSC is a post tertiary scheme for graduates of universities and polytechnics to take part in for one year. So, I registered! And on the day the long awaited call up letter came out, I was posted to Delta State for service. As you may have guessed, I made the decision to stay. Mind you, I have never lived or visited South-South Nigeria before. My entire life I have spent in Western Nigeria. So, I moved down to Delta for the Mandatory one year service. I was happy with the decision not to relocate back home because I wanted to explore and have stories to tell my kids one day. So, here are a few things about my experience,

CULTURE SHOCK

The first thing I'd like to talk about is the language. I used to believe there was only one language spoken in the South, which is Igbo. That thought changed when I began serving in Delta. I found there are a variety of languages spoken in Delta alone!

Also, the Deltan lifestyle is different from what I am used to. These people are hard workers. I have seen it firsthand and I have so many examples. The women here own and ride their own bikes. A woman on a bike where I come from is considered special. I live close to the market and I can say that these people come to work from Monday to Sunday. The only time they take breaks is on Sunday. Farming here is not a choice, it is a way of life. One in every three Deltan has a farm. The person may have a 9-5 but that doesn't stop them from farming .

I haven't explored the food area YET for reasons known to my digestive system but; I have had the famous Egusi soup and Akpu as well as Rice and Pepper Soup.

COST OF LIVING

Living in Delta for me has been eye opening. Back home, I used to hear a lot of things about the South-South and one of those things was ‘things are cheap in the South’ and by things I mean food, accommodation, and transportation. I was in delusion when I came here and experienced otherwise. The truth is that times have changed,and it is no news that Nigeria is no longer the country it used to be. When I was packing to come down here, I had not considered all the possibilities that it's not going to be all paradise and heaven. I didn't also consider that the allowance paid to corpers who are serving might not be enough to rent an apartment.

Living in Delta State is expensive but if you have money then the experience would be an enjoyable one for you. So, future corpers do your research and don't be like me. Regardless of where you are posted to in Nigeria, make sure to ask questions about the cost of living, state of security, etc.

HOSPITALITY

This is a touchy subject, but I am going to be honest. Before I proceed, I'd like to say that I am Yoruba and Muslim serving in Delta. So far, I have not experienced any ill-treatment towards me for being Muslim or Yoruba. There have been instances where I have been judged based on the stereotypes and misconceptions of my tribe and religion. But according to the quote by Andrew Smith, human beings are afraid of what they do not understand, which is why I always appreciate those who ask me questions about my tribe and religion rather than make snide remarks about them.

In conclusion, moving down here has to be one of the bravest things I have done in my life. Sometimes, it is good to try new places because not everyone is a bad person. You can be Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa and you can be Muslim, Christian or a traditionalist. I can assure you that none of these matters. What matters is how well you treat other people, regardless of what color, shape or form they come in. I hope the people of Delta State will continue to take care of me as they have been doing.

Signing off

A.O KEERAH