On September 27, 2023, Joshua Badakin stood by the roadside, clutching a file in his hand. He was excited to have completed the essential documentation at the NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) Maitama Secretariat in Abuja.
The serving corps member was waiting to board a commercial vehicle to his home at Abacha Road. but wasn’t getting any. Some commercial drivers weren’t going his way, and the others had hiked their prices because of the economy’s fuel subsidy. A ride that would cost 100 to 200 naira now costs 500 to 700 naira.
Badakin’s happy demeanour started to dim as he pondered his options. Suddenly, a sleek and shining BMW pulled up in front of him.
The driver, an average-height man with a full beard, rolled down the window and asked him in a friendly tone where he was going.
Badakin looked at his outfit. The Nigerian Khaki uniform for serving youth Corpers seems to stand him out everywhere he goes with it. He gets remarks like “corpers” or “government pikin (children)”.
“I am going to Abacha road,” Badakin said
The driver told him to hop in. Even when the driver was not going exactly where he was going, he dropped him at Abacha barracks simply because he is a corps member.
Abacha Barracks is a short distance from Abacha Road (Badakin’s home). Instead of paying 500 naira to 700 naira, Joshua will only get to pay 200 naira when he gets to Abacha Barracks. Badakin was elated. He thanked the stranger profusely as he entered the car.
Not only did the kind-hearted man save his expenses, he also afforded him comfort different from how he would have felt in a public transport.
The journey itself was fun and enterprising
Badakin learned that this stranger was a Nigerian soldier and had a penchant for offering rides to those in need, a rare trait in busy city life. They delved into a discussion about army life and life in general, and Badakin found himself hanging on to every word of wisdom the soldier shared.
“Thank you once again, not just for the ride but for your kindness. It’s not every day one meets such a generous soul. I truly appreciate it,” Badakin recounted to Prime Progress
He furthered to ask the soldier if he was just a rare benefactor or it is his character.
“I remember he said he picks many people in need of a ride. He said there was once a passenger who offered a prayer for him which he saw manifested only because he gave the person a lift.”
The transport fare was useful. He used it to cater to food on his way home, a rare opportunity he thinks deserves continuous appreciation.
As Badakin walked home, the memory of the nameless, kind strangers stayed with him. He made it a personal mission to forward the kindness he had experienced to others, especially corps members as soon as practicable.
“It takes pure humility for a soldier to interact with a corps member in such manner. I will not only try to imitate him but will continue to push for kindness everywhere I go,” he concluded.
On September 27, 2023, Joshua Badakin, a member of the National Youth Service Corps, completed his documentation at the NYSC Maitama Secretariat in Abuja and waited for a commercial vehicle to take him home to Abacha Road. Due to the fuel subsidy cut, transport costs had increased dramatically, making his journey more expensive.
While waiting, a kind-hearted Nigerian soldier offered him a ride, even though he wasn't going exactly in the same direction. The soldier dropped Badakin off at Abacha Barracks, reducing his fare significantly and providing a more comfortable journey.
During the ride, Badakin learned that the soldier frequently helps people in need of transportation. The two engaged in a meaningful conversation about army life, general life experiences, and the importance of kindness. Badakin expressed his profound gratitude for the soldier's generosity.
Inspired by the experience, Badakin resolved to pay the kindness forward, especially to other corps members. He aims to echo the humility and benevolence he encountered in his future interactions.
