The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) management is reported to have 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 who spoke to SaharaReporters said the party was organized on December 20, 2024 under the directive of the Local Government Inspector (LGI), Mr Makanjuola Benjamin, who asked the corps members to attend, regardless of their religion.
“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,” a WhatsApp message shared to announce the party to corps members stated.
Some corps members opted out of the Christmas celebration, citing concerns that it might violate the scheme’s regulations. However, footage and images revealed that the event was actually a praise and worship gathering.
As a result, some corps members from non-Christian faiths chose not to participate, citing potential conflicts with their personal beliefs.
Reports add that the local Government Inspector (LGI), Mr Makanjuola Benjamin has now issued query letters to all corps members who were absent from the party.
The query letters stated that the corps members travelled outside the state without the written consent of the state coordinator from December 16, 2024 to January 6, 2025 and were absent during the headcount that was carried out on December 20, 2024.
Reacting to the allegations, one of the corps members who spoke to SaharaReporters 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.”
“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,” another affected corps member said.
When contacted, Mr Makanjuola Benjamin said that the corps members were queried in line with the NYSC regulations.
He said it was not true that they were queried for not attending the party.
The Oyo State NYSC State Coordinator, Abel Odoba and NYSC Acting National Spokesperson, Mrs Carol Lembu, told newsmen that an investigation would be made into the matter.
In his words, “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.”