Minister Reverses Self, Says Adire Not Approved for NYSC
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr. 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), describing reports suggesting otherwise as a misrepresentation of his earlier comments.
In a statement published on his official X account on Thursday, the minister explained that his remarks during an interview on Channels Television's The Morning Brief were intended to illustrate proposals currently being considered as part of the ongoing reform of the NYSC scheme and did not amount to a policy announcement.
According to him, "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."
Mr. Olawande said no final decision had been taken on the choice of fabric or design, noting that the government is evaluating options that meet the required standards of professional appearance, national identity, durability, functionality, cost-effectiveness and national pride.
He stressed that any eventual decision would emerge from extensive consultations with stakeholders and would reflect what best serves the interests of the NYSC and the country.
The minister also urged Nigerians not to allow discussions about a possible change of uniform to overshadow the broader objectives of the Federal Government's reform agenda for the scheme.
According to him, "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."
He added that while public interest in the proposed uniform is understandable, the focus should remain on the comprehensive reforms aimed at empowering young Nigerians and repositioning the NYSC as a stronger platform for national development.
The clarification follows widespread reactions after Mr. Olawande, during the television interview, referenced Adire as one of the proposals being considered under the comprehensive reforms recently approved by the Federal Executive Council for the 53-year-old NYSC scheme. The reforms also include skills-based deployment of corps members, civilian operational leadership for the scheme, and proposed amendments to the NYSC Act.
Source: Punch Newspapers.
Tags: #NYSC #AyodeleOlawande #YouthDevelopment
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