By Kingston Magare 2.7.2026
Nigeria’s minister of youth development Ayodele Olawande has walked back his proposals making Adire, a handmade fabric produced majorly in Ogun and Kwara States the new fabric for the National Youth Service Corps official uniform.
Speaking on Thursday during a chat on Channels TV talk show Morning Brief Mr. Olawande had proposed that Adire could be adopted to replace the iconic khaki uniform as part of the reforms President Bola Tinubu is embarking on.
But hours after making the comments Mr. Olawande stated on his X social media platform that his words had been taken out of context. This followed strong comments from Nigerians.
“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,” Olawande stated.
“The reforms are designed to make the Scheme more relevant to today’s realities by improving employability, promoting entrepreneurship, strengthening national integration, enhancing service delivery, and creating a smoother transition from education to productive careers.
“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.
Some reactions on X social media.
@dammiedammie35: “Changed National Anthem that has been there for ages, Changed NYSC Khaki that Corpers have been wearing from day 1…The country has tons of problems that needs sorting out but no, let the Corpers start wearing Adire.”
@EkyDorlyn: “Achievement is achievement, you guys should celebrate our wins as a country”
@BigXamy: “But they can’t change the insecurities issues, corruption, bad roads, bad healthcare, bad education and the terrible welfare of Nigerians, if they succeed in changing this Kaki i go know say Nigerians never ready for life.”
@myviewas_Jay: “I sometimes wonder whether making Adire a national outfit is really the priority. Shouldn’t the focus be on tackling insecurity, improving accountability, and fixing the issues that affect Nigerians every day? Omo.”
@IGBO1020413: ” APC is confused, they will soon change to green white green.”
@papi_demillie: “NYSC reforms which included a lot of entrepreneurship programs but all you could tweet about is just the uniform that was changed. And who says, this administration is not tackling many of the issues on ground, from infrastructure to economic stabilization, to security.”
@Silentyard68895: “Thankfully, I will be passing out this month. However, with enough backlash, this is EASILY reversible.”