Day 1: My National Conference Exploits

Today (17th March 2014) was the first day of the national conference. Delegates were inaugurated

I arrived at the venue of the event around 2 PM. Upon arriving at the gate, I saw vans of armed police men stationed at the front gate, and I was like "wow this country".

I got into the reception where delegates are to be accredited. First i had to go and get checked and see if my name was on their system by showing my ID, then proceeded to a room where I was captured for my tag. I was told my tag will be ready in 10 minutes, I walked out of the room and waited for my tag. I got my tag at the said time.

We -delegates, left the reception and proceeded to the venue of the inauguration, you must have heard what happened to me at the entrance. A man (guard) in a fine suit stopped me, with a straigh face he asked "Are you a guest" I said "No", he asked, press? I said "NO". He then quickly glanced at my tag dangling on my neck, and started, "sorry ma, youngest delegate".

I felt out of place, like I do not belong here. I felt like it's a gathering for the elderly and not for the young.

I walked passed him, went found a seat and sat. Waiting for me were three (3) books on the arm rest, one; on the programme of event and the other two on the national conference and centenary.

There were free seats on both sides of me some women sat, one of them asked " Are you from national youth council"? I said no! What group are you representing? I told her youth and other youth organisation. The pank hit me again of being out of place. I thought "am I really too small" or is it the Nigerian mentality that someone has to be old to deliberate on National issues?

Then after a while, another woman (a delegate) came and sat by my other side, a big woman obviously, she asked, "which state are you from"? "I said Borno" she asked "Maiduguri"? "I said yes". We got talking and I told her youths are very angry because there is less representation of youths at the conference, majority are elderly, she said "yes they can not be accommodated", and I was like what?! She said errrm you see they can't be accommodated, I thought "But old men and women can be accommodated"?. Before I could say anything, the arrival of the president was announced.

How many of such will one hear before the conference ends?

Speeches were made, pictures were snapped.

It was announced that they'll be a dinner later tonight but I obviously cannot make it. Couldn't drive home and drive back for the dinner, i choose saving my fuel over free meal. Fuel is still scarce remember.

For those that are interested in the money aspect: No money was given, no accommodation, no sitting allowance as people claim will drop everyday. Some said delegates will be given accommodation at transcorp and other big hotels on arrival, well no such thing happened, or probably not yet or not for tiny rats like myself.

And please if you know anyone that knows anyone who knows any thing about the conference, ask him if he knows what time will the event start tomorrow and where?

The organizers should be given the award of....... Never mind....

I am trying to eat now, yes it is late, nobody gave me food at the inauguration, and my appetite was distorted, so I am eating....

On Twitter: @Yadomah