NYSC Queries Corps Members Over Alleged Absence At Christmas Carol
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has issued query letters to over 200 corps members serving in Atiba Local Government Area, Oyo State, for allegedly failing to attend a Christmas Carol Party.
Some of the affected corps members told SaharaReporters that the event, held on December 20, 2024, was organised under the directive of the Local Government Inspector (LGI), Mr. Makanjuola Benjamin, who instructed all corps members to attend, regardless of their religious beliefs.
A WhatsApp message sent to corps members announcing the event read, “Gud evening my fellow Corp member. This is an official letter for ATIBA Christmas Carol. And pls Above is d link for those interested in music and Drama for the Carol. Let’s endeavour to be there. Note pls this has nothing to do with religion Your presence is necessary.”
Some corps members opted out of the event, expressing concerns that attending might violate NYSC regulations.
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Footage and images obtained by SaharaReporters revealed that the event was primarily a praise and worship gathering, leading some corps members from non-Christian faiths to abstain due to conflicts with their personal beliefs.
Following the event, the LGI, Mr. Makanjuola Benjamin, issued query letters to all corps members who were absent, accusing them of traveling outside the state without written consent from the state coordinator between December 16, 2024, and January 6, 2025, and being absent during the headcount conducted on December 20, 2024.
Responding to the allegations, a corp member, said, “How did he know we travelled? We were at our PPA working during this period. There was only either a general or individual group Community Development Service on Friday, December 20, which is the day the carol was held and we are accused of not attending and punished for it. And it was the only event that was held that day.”
Another affected corps member raised concerns over the monthly biometric registration, saying, “LGI is now denying us the chance to undergo our compulsory monthly biometric registration which closes on January 10, 2025, and if the period elapses, it means we won’t be duly registered for this month’s activities.”
When contacted, Mr. Makanjuola Benjamin defended the decision, stating, “The corps members were queried in line with the NYSC regulations.”
He denied the claims that the queries were issued for failing to attend the Christmas Carol Party.
Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Abel Odoba, and the NYSC Acting National Spokesperson, Mrs. Carol Lembu, confirmed that an investigation would be conducted into the matter.
Mr. Odoba added, “It is even not allowed to mandate corps members to attend any Christmas Carol party or any religious gathering. That is rubbish and total nonsense that will not be tolerated. I will investigate this and if it is true, appropriate steps will be taken.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
