The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has issued query letters to more than 200 corps members serving in Atiba Local Government Area of Oyo State. The corps members are accused of failing to attend a Christmas Carol Party held on December 20, 2024.
Some of the affected corps members told reporters that the event was organized under the directive of Local Government Inspector (LGI) Mr. Makanjuola Benjamin, who reportedly mandated their attendance regardless of religious beliefs.
A WhatsApp message circulated to the corps members read:
“Good evening my fellow corps members. This is an official letter for ATIBA Christmas Carol. Note please, this has nothing to do with religion. Your presence is necessary.”
Despite the assurance, many corps members, particularly those from non-Christian faiths, opted out, citing personal religious convictions. Photographs and videos from the event showed that it was primarily a praise and worship session, prompting further concerns among the non-attendees.
The query letters accused the corps members of traveling outside the state without permission between December 16, 2024, and January 6, 2025. The letters also stated they were absent during a mandatory headcount conducted on December 20, coinciding with the carol event.
One affected corps member disputed the claim, saying:
“We were at our Places of Primary Assignment (PPA) working during this period. The carol was the only event scheduled that day, and now we are being punished for not attending.”
Another corps member alleged that the LGI is denying them access to complete their monthly biometric registration, which closes on January 10, 2025. Failure to register could result in exclusion from this month’s official NYSC activities.
When contacted, Mr. Makanjuola Benjamin insisted the queries were in line with NYSC regulations and denied that they were related to non-attendance at the Christmas Carol Party.
Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Abel Odoba, expressed strong disapproval of any attempt to coerce corps members into religious activities.
“It is unacceptable to mandate corps members to attend a religious gathering. This will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken if these claims are true,” he said.
The NYSC Acting National Spokesperson, Mrs. Carol Lembu, also assured that the matter would be reviewed, emphasizing that such practices are not aligned with the NYSC’s principles.
The incident has sparked debate over religious inclusivity and the rights of corps members under the NYSC program. Further updates are expected following the ongoing investigation.
