It is no longer news that David Adeleke popularly known as Davido is currently undergoing the mandatory NYSC scheme. Considering the reach the pop star currently possess, one picture Davido NYSC on Instagram was all it took for it to become an internet sensation. It literally spread like wildfire.

Opinions on this development were apparently split, yet the most dominant one tilted towards the fact that it was a welcome development. They said it was the perfect way to inspire and breathe life into a slowing Scheme that people had started to question its relevance.

Seeing a celebrity in this uniform brought a different view of respect in everyone’s eyes and the division of class became ever so slimmer as it seemed everyone is a subject to the clarion call, however, mouths started to falter when pictures surfaced; he was not treated as a corps member but as a celebrity and only 2 days later, news surfaced that Davido had left the shores of the country.

He had gone to Boston for a show and after that, made an appearance at Charlemagne’s Breakfast Show in America. Davido blatantly flouted NYSC’s rules. According to Schedule 1: 3b: "During the period of orientation, every member shall:

(i) Attend regularly, punctually and participate fully in all official engagements on the field, at lecture and all places of work; (ii) Not leave the Orientation Camp or absent himself from any official activity without the written consent of the State Director or his representative; (iii) When absent from his duties on account of illness ensure that such absence is covered by an “Excuse Duty Certificate” issued by a medical doctor then on duty at the camp."

The Bye-laws also state penalties for leaving the camp without the permission of the State Director.

According to Schedule 2: 1b states that:

"The following penalties shall be imposed in the following circumstances.

“Leaving the camp without permission of the State Director” will attract “extension of the service year by double the number of days for which the member was absent from his camp and forfeiture of his allowance for the same number of days of which he was absent.”

Considering the heavy responsibility shifted on Davido’s shoulder by merely tweeting that he was a Corps Member, Davido’s lack of regard for the Scheme’s rules are so glaring it has become quite embarrassing to think about. This is not to tackle the young man, it is only to point out the apparent disparity between the rich and the poor in this Nation.

I can remember vividly when I was serving in Ilorin in 2016/2017, travelling home to attend to issues alone was a big deal. We were subjected to writing letters knee dip in bureaucracy and made to attach seemingly unnecessary documents. Funny enough, writing the required letter doesn’t guarantee you the state coordinator approval.

We really need to get things right in this country and before we can actually do that, certain things have to be put in place. NYSC as a scheme has to take itself seriously, you can’t be serving and at the same time holding political rallies or attending shows here and there. In fact, as a Corps member, you are not expected to be involved in politics.

An individual that was unofficially crowned the Number One Corper in the Country did not serve under the sun or in the rain and only briefly obeyed the Clarion call for good PR, there really is no excuse.

Measures have to be taken in the face of impunity, in fact, the Lagos state coordinator should be either sacked or tried for his incompetence. At any point in time, if any corp member had defied any of the rules Davido defied, I think none of them should be held responsible for their actions. No one should be above the law.

We all need to fix up from unnecessary celebrity worship.

Source: https://thenovita.com/davido-nysc/

The truth is that many others are doing the same at Lagos camp. His own became known because he is a celebrity and he also made a noise out of it initially.

The same way the elders and Pastors seat in front in more comfortable seats than the congregation. Same way there are Coppers and there are Corpers. Some people are blessed with grace more than others. Its just how the world Works. Pray for grace and learn to mind your busines.