The local guides program is of huge significance to me because it has afforded me the privilege of remotely accessing physical and social details of places, accurately travelling over long distances and feeling the joy of contributing to the lives of others.
Unlike before when there was no local guides’ program, efforts of local guides have enabled me to gain access to information about physical features and social activities of towns and cities across Nigeria. In a country whose landmass is approximately 1 million square kilometers, it is usually difficult travelling to certain cities to have a feel of their outlook but through activities of local guides in those cities I have had access to information about the topography, water bodies, distribution of rocks, intra city traffic, number of hotels and event centres. For example, I have severally used Google Maps to ascertain cost of accommodation and quality of service of hotels across Nigeria.
Journeying over long distances in Nigeria could be hectic, not to mention having no clue of the direction of travel. However, efforts of Local guides have helped to map out fastest routes, restaurants and cafes that could ease the trip of motorists and passengers. For example, I embarked on a journey by land to my National Youth Service camp in Obubra, Cross River State alongside my colleagues. Interestingly, I was the only passenger with an active google map on my phone and it proved to be the final piece in our puzzle as we safely arrived our destination in time through its guidance while the other traveling party got lost before arriving the following morning.
The joy of helping others find a solution to their problems cannot be overemphasized and this fits in to the activities of local guides as they volunteer to add new locations on the map, provide information about places and review services rendered by business ventures on Google map, these acts could be invaluable to people in search of certain services. For instance, I derive satisfaction in helping others locate commercial centers on the map just as I always hope my review will guide the masses through in choosing a preferred service provider.