I joined scout 42 years ago. My father was a Scout and he was the scouts patron of Wudil Teachers College Troop 1979-1987, I inherited scouting from him. He registered me I also joined 1st Wudil Central Primary School too in 1983, I doubled in attending both troop meetings within the years especially when our College is on holidays i will moves to open troop in the town.
I could remember an interesting and motivated second class camp i attended in 1988 at Kachako town in Kano that earned me a second class badge, it’s was presented to me by Mr Zimbo, the correct Jigawa State Deputy President.
While in Hadejia Teachers College for my senior GR2 TC present Jigawa State between 1988 to 1990, i was appointed as a Troop Leader in the College Troop, i couldn’t believe it due to the fact I meet other seniors scouts by age, Our Scout Master told me i was appointed then due the fact I scored highest in the test he conducted , then could remembered that i tie all the 6 basic knots and memorised the scout 1 to 10 with interpretation 😃And that guides me to understand that scouting is more of practical activities than academics not grammar.
While I was at Bayero University, Kano for Undergraduate course, I had to suspend Scouting to face studies, not untill I was posted to Ogun State in 1996 for NYSC. It’s in Ogun State i saw the importance of wearing scout uniform for the perpose of sensitization and awearness, the first person i saw in scout uniform passing by the window wearing green on top of brown, putting on PBs hat, hanging camera on his neck in Governor’s office Oke Mosin was Chief Adewuyi Solomon Kushima of bless memory in 1997, i swiftly ran to him from my office and complimented, i told him I was a Scout from Kano but presently a Youth Coper in Abeokuta please where can I meet with Scouts to build in? Immediately he took me to Ita Iya lode open troop, where i meet the likes of Apostle Tola Adenekan, then TC, Pastor Babatunde former SSC, Mr Oguntoye, and one elderly cub scout leader a women i can’t remember her name.
Thank you Ogun State they revived me back to life in scouting up till today.
I attended a WB practicals at Apara scout camp it was directed and lead by Late Mr Odunuga Lagos 100, and Baba P A Lasaki respectively. In 1999. 2 years before then I was at same Apara Scout Camp for my BTC (Scout) 1997 Directed by Mr Remi Ojetunde, lead by Mr Raji And Also BTC Cubs, WB Cubs in 2000 and 2004 lead by Yeye Sailoro of Ijesa Land, though directed by humble man Late T.T Fatogun. Others are Mr Feyisetan and Mrs Feyidipo from Lagos state. She is a cub Specialist
I really learnt alot and enjoyed Advanced training courses i under gone in South Western Nigeria, there are good and sound Trainer’s among them, they groomed me in 2007 for my ALT and LT courses at Alokuko in Lagos and Oshogbo respectively. This a memorable 👍 Among my tutor’s that i am always proud to mentioned are ,Late Pa Lasaki, he decorated me with Woodbadge,and ALT charged, while Chief Kushima charged me LT after we have contributed in the active service of training not by honor or proxy.
I could remember the likes of Elder Ogunyale S S, Prince (Dr)James Oyelami, Mr Tayo Shobande, Mr Tope, Prince Olusoga Sofolahan, Mr Idowu Esan, ESQ, Mr Damola, Mr Remi Abiona, Mr Abbas, they have contributed towards transformational and technical changes in me scout wise, as my Tutor’s i am always proud with them at different points and quoted them as my Tutor’s at Alokuko ALT or Government College Oshogbo LT course.
Please forgive me if this news will touched our heart’s; My sad news, that i can’t forget,
it would have been the best memorable regime ever in the NSO, that transform Scout in Nigeria: 2013 AGM that brought in Engr. Rufai as CS, Dr Bello as HNS, Chief Soga CC, where by we operates inline with scout Governance, management and PORs intendem with WOSM/NSOs constitution in discharging duties. Example, Regular AGM, NEC meetings, were not missed from 6 geopolitical Zones, participation and involvement of scout’s from nooks and corners of Nigeria, Nigeria scout’s attended many of the Jamborees, meetings and workshops out side Nigeria, Courses were conducted, appointments were made on zones , States councils were carried along in all policies, they pay dues as at when due, funds were generated, partnerships, scout census, GSAT workshop, i can’t mentioned our achievements all in our regime, but unfortunately we spoiled the whole show by ending up in court of law which lead to our crises, instead for us to our selves to Scout Court of Honor,(National Council) to put in our house in order and buried the differences, very pathetic the NSO ended up on partial suspension from WOSM, and some key players involved in the crises were stopped not to partake and involve in scout activities in Nigeria again, up to this moment as i am writing this peace note, the court matter is over but is still telling directly or indirectly on us in our attempt to aspire for post and positioning within and out side NSO.
Once again i greet you all. Thank you Alhaji Gambo for your thoughtfulness and insight to mentioned little out of bundle of good and sad memories in our scout life and career.
I am Ahmed Bello Ph.D, LT, DCC
Former: National Headquarters Commissioner Scouts 2011 to 2012.
