Before I became a youth corp member or corper as it is usually called, I heard stories of the respect attached to the uniform and identity in general of the youth corp member and believe me they are mostly true. Everywhere you go people seem to greet you like you are some kind of a celebrity, corper easy oh, corper, what is the problem are the regular chants everywhere you go. Don’t even mention the kids and aged that are always ready to wave at you when you pass by them.
Another respect you get as a corper is from the police you can walk through the streets of Lagos and be assured of no embarrassment by the police in any form whatsoever just put on your cap alone and you have the guilt free pass. The police no because they are nice people know that one the corper is usually too poor to give bribe and if you arrest one you would have to take them to the NYSC state secretariat which might be too far away.
The corper uniform also opens doors to the most unimaginable places. You can walk to any floor of most private and commercial buildings and even those who accost you would do so only because they want to help. I was at the airport of recent and with my uniform and I went into and out of the building without going through the regular check routine.
The feeling is elating and one that one does not like to depart form, the programme is only for a year and the whole show will soon be over.
