The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Oyo State on Saturday cautioned female corps members serving in Ibadan, Oyo State to avoid restricted areas during the forthcoming annual Egungun Festival.
Abimbola Faniyi, the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit of the NYSC in Oyo State, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen.
Faniyi said that the guideline became necessary as many female corps members were strangers in the land.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual traditional Egungun festival, tagged: “Oloolu,” is scheduled for Monday to Thursday.
Faniyo noted that the masquerade would pass through the following areas: Oje, Gate, Oja-Oba, Ayeye, Orita-Merin, Beere, Oranyan, Idi-Arere, Agugu, Oke-Aremo, Oremeji, and Olubadan Palace, among other routes.
She added: “Corps members should know that it is forbidden for females/women to see the masquerade.
“Therefore, we strongly advise all our female corps members to abide by this tradition whenever the masquerade is passing through their areas.
“Corps members are also advised to avoid any gathering around the masquerade’s designated routes during the festival.”
Faniyi cautioned corps members not to make any attempt to do video recordings or take photographs of the masquerade.
Also Read
She further stated that corps members were not allowed to question or challenge the rites of the Ibadan Egungun local tradition.
She urged the leadership of transport unions in the state to direct their drivers not to take corps members and prospective corps members through dangerous routes during the festival.
She said: “Comply with local advice and instructions from community leaders and security personnel.
“Corps members are strongly warned to abide by these precautionary measures, as the management of NYSC in the state, under the leadership of Mr Peters Kayode, remained committed to corps members’ welfare and safety.”
Post Views: 21
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
Leave a comment