By Ayobami Okerinde
The federal government’s decision to replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with Adire fabric has sparked mixed reactions, with many Nigerians divided over whether the move promotes local industry or undermines one of the scheme’s strongest national symbols.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, confirmed the change on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, saying the initiative was designed to boost local textile production and keep government spending within the country.
“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,” the minister said.
The announcement follows Monday’s approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) of the most extensive reforms to the NYSC since the scheme was established in 1973.
