YALI RLC: My Experience (Day 6)

It was the 6th day and it was looking as though we had been at ASCON for about 3 weeks. Each of us had made a lot of friends just in about a week. Activities like the physical exercise and breakfast were carried out at the appropriate periods, just that many of us came late to the lecture which was meant to commence at 8am. We, however got scolded for coming later than expected. I personally believed that, sooner than later, we all would adapt to the system of the training, which we joyfully eventually did.

We were well informed about our 'yearbook photo-shots' that would commence the next day, immediately after breakfast. The first set of participants to do this were the Burkinabés, Cameroonians and Ghanaians. The second set – the Ivorians, Liberians and Nigerians – were to have theirs on the next Monday morning. While the final set – the Sierra Leoneans, Gambians and the two Togoleses – were to have theirs, too, on the next Tuesday morning.

Prince B. O. Eniaiyejuni, the man who not only is a prince thrice, but also has four ‘wives’, had his series of lectures with us. One can't be in this prince's class and be bored. One just can't. He allowed many participants to express their opinions on one thing or the other. His lecture was titled 'Corruption as an Ethical Challenge'. He started by asking us to define corruption in our views. A lot of us not only defined corruption but also gave fantastic illustrations. He, then, said there is no exact definition of corruption, but it is mostly defined as making use of public offices for private gains. He enumerated some acts of corruption: theft of public funds, patronage, bribery, inflated contract, profiteering and what have you.

The moment he began talking about the different categories of corruption, there was a knock at the door. Lo and behold, it was Teju Babyface that came in, showed us his baby face, and went straight to the podium and started his lecture on mentoring - just like that. Teju cracked so many jokes, yet his points were well noted. He talked about how he began his career, and how Grace had been very instrumental to his success. One thing about Teju is, he talks too much! He finally ended his comic lectures by answering intelligent questions posed. Then, the time for snacks-break was long overdue. While we were taking snacks, some participants bought Teju's books and had some snapshots with him.

We got back, and Prince continued his lecture which he spiced up with different case studies. One was about Enron's Corp. and another was that of Mrs. Shebi. After we came back from the lunch break, we had an impromptu debate. The debate, which was asking who's more corrupt between a man and a woman, was very interesting. Groups Y2 and X2 won. After this, we were reminded of our poster presentation which happened the next day.

The long awaited election finally held. Many participants initially found it difficult to understand the process of the election, but after explanation upon explanation, the process became clear. The election held at the same time as dinner. After some time, the winners were announced. Maimouna Bah emerged as the president of the Lion Group; Sama Ndofor emerged as that of the Eagle Group; and Usaka Zabee Edward, the Elephant Group.

The day became prolonged as every member of virtually every group was seriously busy with their poster works. I, too, was very busy, together with Kofi Yeboah-Num Innocents, Olamipeju Lawal Adekunle, Toure Massandje and Iyamosele Elizabeth who were my group members.

Day 6 was obviously the most tiring day yet, and it even didn’t want to end.