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Adire Proposal for NYSC Uniform Still Under Review, Says Olawande
Olawande clarified that Adire and Ankara were only examples of proposals being considered under ongoing NYSC reforms.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has clarified that the Federal Government has not officially adopted Adire as the replacement for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform.
The clarification came after reports emerged suggesting the minister had confirmed the introduction of Adire as the new NYSC uniform during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday.
Reacting to the reports in a statement posted on his official social media page, Olawande explained that he merely referenced Adire and Ankara as examples of proposals being discussed under the ongoing NYSC reform process.
“My attention has been drawn to some media reports following my brief appearance earlier this morning on Channels TV regarding the ongoing reforms of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), particularly on the issue of the proposed uniform,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, yes, I mentioned Adire during the discussion. I also mentioned Ankara. My intention was simply to cite examples of some of the proposals that have been put forward in the course of our consultations.”
He stressed that no decision had been reached regarding the replacement of the current khaki uniform.
“It was not an announcement that any particular fabric has been adopted or approved to replace the current NYSC uniform,” the minister added.
According to Olawande, the government is considering several factors before making any final decision, including durability, functionality, national identity, professionalism and affordability.
“For the record, what we are considering are different options that tick all the right boxes in terms of professional outlook, a unique national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, and the projection of national pride,” he stated.
“No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design.”
During the television interview that sparked the controversy, the minister had highlighted local textile production while responding to questions about the sourcing of any proposed new uniform.
“It’s Adire. Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have them in Ogun; we have them in Kwara; we have textile industries. Let’s put our money back into the country,” he said.
Olawande also urged Nigerians not to lose sight of the wider reforms being pursued within the NYSC scheme.
He explained that the reforms are aimed at boosting employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration and making the scheme more beneficial for Nigerian youths.
“While conversations around the uniform are understandable, they should not overshadow the far-reaching reforms aimed at empowering millions of Nigerian youths and positioning the NYSC as a stronger platform for national development,” he said.
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