The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Oyo State has issued a safety advisory to female corps members serving in Ibadan, urging them to steer clear of restricted zones during the upcoming Egungun festival.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit for NYSC in Oyo State, Mrs. Abimbola Faniyi, explained that the warning was necessary due to the unfamiliarity of many corps members with the cultural practices of their host communities.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the annual traditional Egungun festival, known as ‘Oloolu’, is set to hold from Monday to Thursday. The festival’s procession will pass through key areas of the city including Oje, Gate, Oja-Oba, Ayeye, Orita-Merin, Beere, Oranyan, Idi-Arere, Agugu, Oke-Aremo, Oremeji, and the Olubadan Palace, among others.
Mrs. Faniyi emphasized that it is culturally prohibited for women to see the Oloolu masquerade. She therefore advised female corps members to stay indoors and away from the festival routes during the procession.
“It is important for all female corps members to respect this tradition and avoid being present when the masquerade is in their vicinity,” she stated. “They should also refrain from taking photographs or making video recordings of the masquerade.”
Additionally, she urged corps members not to question or interfere with any of the traditional rites associated with the festival. She also appealed to transport union leaders to ensure their drivers do not convey corps members through any of the festival routes during the period.
Faniyi advised all corps members to heed instructions from community leaders and security officials to ensure their safety.
She concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the NYSC Oyo State management, led by Mr. Peters Kayode, to protecting the lives and welfare of all corps members throughout their service year.
