EVELYN DADU – Faced with mounting backlash in the public space, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, says the Federal Government has not approved Adire as the new uniform for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
In a move meant to douse tension crackling within the corridors of power, Olawande maintained that his earlier remarks on the subject matter were misunderstood, and his words completely ripped out of context by what he desribed as a sensationalized public.
The Minister’s frantic damage control came amid explosive headlines that tore through the media landscape, alleging he had unilaterally suspended the NYSC’s iconic, decades-old khaki uniform, with many reports citing high-stakes interview on Channels Television, where Olawande’s remarks were instantly interpreted as a definitive declaration that the traditional corper attire was being phased out in favour of local textiles.
Given the gathering storm of public disapproval, Olawande immediately took to his official social media handle just hours after leaving the studio to release a precision-targeted statement to douse the flames, saying: “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”.
Maintaining that Adire and Ankara were only cited as examples of proposals being considered within the framework of the ongoing reform of the NYSC scheme, the Minister 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. It was not an announcement that any particular fabric has been adopted or approved to replace the current NYSC uniform.”
He said the government was evaluating different options based on professional appearance, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, national identity and the promotion of local industry, adding: “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”.
Declaring that “No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design”, Olawale said Nigerians should not to allow the debate over the proposed uniform to overshadow the broader objectives of the ongoing NYSC reforms, noting that they are aimed at making the scheme more relevant by improving employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery and creating a smoother transition from education to productive careers.
The Minister said: “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.”
