The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has clarified that the Federal Government has not approved Adire as the new uniform for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), saying his earlier comments were misinterpreted.
The clarification followed widespread media reports suggesting that the minister had announced the replacement of the NYSC's traditional khaki uniform with Adire during an interview on Thursday.
In a statement shared on his official social media accounts a few hours after the interview, Olawande explained that he merely mentioned Adire and Ankara as examples of proposals currently being considered as part of the ongoing reform of the NYSC.
"My attention has been drawn to some media reports following my brief appearance on Channels Television regarding the ongoing reforms of the National Youth Service Corps, 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 during our consultations. It was not an announcement that any particular fabric has been adopted or approved to replace the current NYSC uniform."
The minister stressed that the Federal Government is still evaluating several options and that no final decision has been taken on the fabric or design of any new uniform.
According to him, whatever option is eventually adopted must meet key requirements, including professional appearance, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness, national identity and support for local industries.
"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. No final decision has been taken on the fabric or design," he added.
During his earlier interview on Channels Television, Olawande had responded to questions about local production by saying that Adire is produced in Nigeria, particularly in Ogun and Kwara states, and that government spending should support local industries.
However, he clarified that the remarks were not intended as an official policy announcement.
The minister also urged Nigerians not to allow the conversation about the proposed uniform to overshadow the broader objectives of the ongoing NYSC reforms, which are aimed at making the scheme more skills-driven, productive and relevant to national development.
