Corps members
By OLA MODUPE, Ibadan –
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Oyo State has issued a warning to female corps members serving in Ibadan to steer clear of restricted areas during the annual Egungun festival, known as ‘Oloolu,’ scheduled to take place from Monday to Thursday.
The advisory was shared in a statement by Mrs. Abimbola Faniyi, Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit, NYSC Oyo State, emphasizing the need for caution as many female corps members are unfamiliar with local customs.
The statement outlined that the masquerade will parade through several areas, including Oje, Gate, Oja-Oba, Ayeye, Orita-Merin, Beere, Oranyan, Idi-Arere, Agugu, Oke-Aremo, Oremeji, and Olubadan Palace, among others.
Faniyi stressed that it is culturally forbidden for women to view the masquerade, urging female corps members to respect this tradition by avoiding these routes during the festival period.
She also advised all corps members to refrain from gathering near the masquerade’s designated paths.
Additionally, Faniyi cautioned against recording videos or taking photographs of the masquerade and emphasized that corps members must not interfere with or challenge the traditional rites of the Egungun festival.
She called on transport union leaders to instruct drivers to avoid taking corps members or prospective corps members through restricted routes during the festival.
The NYSC urged corps members to follow guidance from community leaders and security personnel.
“Under the leadership of Mr. Peters Kayode, the NYSC in Oyo State remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all corps members,” Faniyi stated, reinforcing the importance of adhering to these safety measures.
