Reactions have started trailing the decamping of 2013 Batch A, female corps member, Ms Tolu Ekundayo, by the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Ogun State for wearing skirt at the Shagamu orientation camp.
In a press conference organised by Ekundayo’s church, Faith Revival Apostolic Church, FRAC, in Lagos, the expelled corps member said she was asked to leave the camp at about 11.00pm on March 8, 2013 by the Ogun State NYSC Co-ordinator, for her refusal to put on trousers.
She explained that her refusal to wear trousers was not in disobedience to NYSC authorities but in line with her belief and faith in God.
Also speaking, Apostle Paul Adenuga condemned the manner in which Ekundayo was expelled from the camp in the dead of the night without considering her safety and called on the Director-General of NYSC and the federal government to look into the matter before it gets out of hand.
“I call on Nigerians, mostly Christians that stand for the truth, not only to jointly condemn this barbaric and bestial act but to engage in constructive dialogue with the concerned authority for the change of such policy if it is official.”
NYSC reacts
When contacted, the Ogun State NYSC Co-ordinator, Mrs T.I Anosike maintained that the Service did not expel anybody. According to her, Ms Ekundayo opted to go instead of abiding by the rules and regulations of the scheme.
She said wearing anything outside approved NYSC kits during the orientation programme was not allowed in the camp. This she said was the reason why every corps member was made to signed undertaking on cultism and dress code.When contacted, the Ogun State NYSC Co-ordinator, Mrs T.I Anosike maintained that the Service did not expel anybody. According to her, Ms Ekundayo opted to go instead of abiding by the rules and regulations of the scheme.
“Nobody asked her to leave. She was asked to comply with the NYSC directives or leave. So she decided to leave. When she said that she won’t comply, we asked her to put it in writing which she did. So we didn’t expel her, she left on her own.”
My take on this: The only blame NYSC had was sending the girl out of the camp at night, if there’s any truth in that. But I put the rest of the blame on the girl. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen skirt in an NYSC outfit. There is a dress code and she knows that too. She knew before going to the NYSC camp that everyone was going to be putting on trousers. Why did she think she was going to be treated differently?
NYSC doesn’t need to apologize, save for expelling her late at night. Religion does not teach rebellion. You should submit to authorities; this is what I know every religion teaches.
Do you think she was right to insist on wearing skirt?
Posts
I think d problem with Ms Tolu Ekundayo is ignorance. She is limited to her understanding of the religious teaching and believe without looking beyond. Aside d fact dat trousers is an official dress code of the corp members, it is for their convinience and safety during the service year especialy in d camp. What does camping means? Its not a party or religious gathering where u go to relax or catch fun. An NYSC camp is a paramilitary environment where corp members are taken through some millitary drills and climbing of upstacles and learning defencive tactics. As a lady, how can she be free or not be embarrased if asked to either climb a rope, barricade, go beneath a barb wire etc while male colleauges are waiting under or behind for there turn?. If I may ask Ms Ekundayo, or whoever is unreasonable like her; ...Which of the controversial dress code will conceal or protect her underpants from d public view in d process of these excercise? The Skirt or the Trouser? Pls I think its time followers and leaders of religious faith start reasoning aright. We must be able to differienciate Religion from Reality. **Alex A. Opeyemi**