By Gloria Irabor
In a swift response to a recent online report, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has categorically denied claims that over 200 corps members in Oyo State were issued queries for skipping a Christmas carol event. The acting director of information and public relations, Caroline Embu, urged the public to disregard the misleading publication, which she described as an attempt to incite unnecessary religious apprehension.
Embu emphasized that every corps member has the constitutional right to practice their chosen religion without coercion. She clarified that the queries issued by local government inspectors were part of a corrective mechanism related to compulsory activities within the NYSC scheme, and were not specifically tied to any Christmas carol event.
“The weekly Community Development Service and monthly General Community Development Service are essential components of the corps members’ service year. Participation in these activities is mandatory; failure to comply can result in disqualification from receiving the Certificate of National Service,” she stated.
To provide further context, Embu noted that the corps members in question, based in Atiba, did not participate in their scheduled Community Development Service activities and were absent during the December 2024 headcount aimed at verifying the presence of corps members in the area. Additionally, they were found to be away from their assigned places of primary assignment during the relevant period.
“Importantly, these corps members did not obtain written permission from the NYSC Oyo State Coordinator to travel outside the state between December 16, 2024, and January 6, 2025,” Embu pointed out.
Highlighting the NYSC’s commitment to maintaining order and discipline, she reaffirmed that the organization operates under a set of bye-laws that govern the activities of all corps members and outline penalties for any infractions.
Embu concluded by reiterating the NYSC’s dedication to fostering a cooperative relationship with the media, encouraging balanced and accurate reporting of its activities and programs. She called for journalists to verify information before publication to avoid spreading unverified and misleading narratives about the NYSC.
