YALI RLC: My Experience (Day 8)

It was an absolutely different flow of events this day; completely different from the previous days. To everyone, it was the first day of the month; to YALIans, it was the 8th day of the training, but to Nigerians and Cameroonians, it was Independence Day. However, if asked which of the participating countries was the country of the day, the response would be consensus: Nigeria 🇳🇬!

At about quarter to 8 in the morning when I checked those playing football at the Phase 2 international 'stadium', I saw only male participants and they were few, and they had been there since about half past 6. We may call them the strong YALIans, because as at that time, many of us were still enjoying our well-deserved rest, rest from a really tiring weekend. On this day, most, if not all, of us didn't skip breakfast, unlike the previous day. After breakfast, it was time to go to church.

At ASCON church, Chapel of Grace, it was a wonderful experience for some of us who were first-time attendees. At a point in time, I was dozing (dozing in the church?). The church is big in structure but not in number (you know what I mean). The church members were really elated to see us, and asked that we should come the next week with other participants. The service ended with the Holy communion. Lest I forget, the most mentioned word in the service, on this day, was 'independence'; prayers were also said for the country, all YALI participants and their respective countries, too. Those of us who attended had some photo session immediately after the service at about 12 noon.

Lunch was ready at 1pm and everyone enjoyed him/herself before the Independence Day celebration that was organized of Nigerians, by Nigerians and for Nigerians and other countries. It was really fun today with George and Ifeoluwa who anchored the event, that had in attendance some of the YALI and ASCON officials. There were presentations upon presentations ranging from cultural dances to poem recitation, which made the event not only fun, but also informative and educative. In fact, the first Nigerian national anthem was recited. And towards the end of the event, each country, through a representative, shared their goodwill and congratulatory messages. Then, it was time for pictures, pictures, and pictures!

Fast-forward to the swimming pool side, the fun there was, to some extent, great. Games were played; sit-dance was done and a lady from the Lion Group won a cash-prize of NGN5000. A lady also challenged the men several times to swim; she's actually very good at swimming. Games like ludo and draft were also played by some participants. Then, the time came for dance, dance and dance. Really, the Gambians can dance but they still were learning from the giants of Africa who can dance for Africa: the owner of the day, Nigeria.

Day 8 was crowned with the Nigerian jollof as dinner.

End of Day 8!

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