Nigerians Divided Over FG’s Plan to Replace NYSC Khaki Uniform With Adire

The Federal Government’s proposal to replace the iconic National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform with locally produced Adire fabric has sparked widespread debate, with Nigerians expressing both support and criticism over what could become one of the most significant visual changes in the scheme’s 53-year history.

The proposal was unveiled by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he explained that the initiative is part of the broader NYSC reform approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

According to the minister, replacing the traditional khaki uniform with Adire fabric is aimed at promoting local production, reviving Nigeria’s textile industry, creating jobs, and ensuring that government spending circulates within the domestic economy.

“It’s Adire. Adire is being produced in Nigeria. We have it in Ogun, we have it in Kwara, we have textile industries. Let us put our money back into the country,” Olawande said.

The minister explained that the proposed uniform change aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic agenda of promoting Made-in-Nigeria products and strengthening indigenous industries through increased government patronage.

The proposal forms part of a broader package of NYSC reforms, including extending the orientation programme from three weeks to six weeks, introducing career-focused and entrepreneurship training, deploying corps members based on security risk assessments, improving digital and financial skills, and transitioning the scheme to a civilian-led administration while retaining military participation in orientation and security operations.

Since the announcement, Nigerians have taken to social media to express divergent views on the proposed replacement of the traditional khaki uniform.

Some critics argued that changing the uniform is not among the country’s most pressing priorities, especially at a time when corps members continue to face concerns over welfare, security, accommodation and delayed allowances.

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Reacting on X, @Grabio01 wrote, “Is that the solution to the problem of this country? Una never ready.”

Another user, @NgizweUpdate, said the khaki uniform symbolises discipline and national service and should not be discarded.

“No, I disagree with this change. Khaki has history and discipline. Adire is beautiful but for ceremony, not service. Let’s not lose the meaning,” the user wrote.

Similarly, @BlacSheep01 criticised the proposal, questioning the government’s priorities.

“This country is a joke! What happened to the previous NYSC uniform that warrants the unnecessary change? Why is Nigeria government full of misplaced priorities?” the user posted.

Another X user, @realTonyUche, described the decision as inappropriate for Nigeria’s current realities.

Some commentators also questioned whether Adire, traditionally associated with southwestern Nigeria, should replace a uniform regarded as a national symbol that has represented unity, discipline and patriotism since 1973.

Others suggested that Adire could instead be introduced as ceremonial attire for passing-out parades, cultural events or official occasions while retaining the khaki uniform for daily camp activities.

Despite the criticism, many Nigerians welcomed the proposal, describing it as a bold step toward promoting indigenous industries and reducing dependence on imported materials.

Supporting the initiative, @SollFlame suggested expanding the cultural concept further, writing, “This is a good one. They should add fila and bata too.”

Another supporter, @valentinepaulal said the decision would encourage local production and create economic opportunities.

“For me, this right here is a good initiative. It will encourage local production of the fabric,” the user wrote.

Similarly, @FeranmiOlukare argued that resistance to the proposal reflected an unwillingness to embrace positive reforms.

Another user, @jpremewwcoin described the proposed switch from khaki to Adire as one of the most remarkable reforms in the history of the NYSC, saying it would give corps members a uniform that better reflects Nigerian culture and identity.

Supporters also argued that increased government patronage of locally made fabrics could stimulate Nigeria’s textile value chain, create jobs for artisans and manufacturers, and strengthen industries in states such as Ogun, Osun, Kwara and Ondo, where Adire production is well established.

The Federal Government has maintained that the proposed adoption of Adire is only one aspect of a comprehensive transformation of the NYSC.

According to Olawande, the objective is not merely to change what corps members wear but to reposition the scheme as a platform for skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, productivity and national development.

He added that implementation would be gradual, with reforms requiring amendments to the NYSC Act to be forwarded to the National Assembly, while others could be introduced administratively.

Although no timeline has been announced for the introduction of the new uniform, the proposal has already generated one of the most intense public conversations surrounding the future of the NYSC, highlighting the competing expectations of Nigerians regarding national identity, economic development and youth empowerment.

Nigerians Divided Over FG’s Plan to Replace NYSC Khaki Uniform With Adire

Bandits Kill Chief Imam, Two Others in Coordinated Sokoto Village Attacks

Suspected bandits have killed the Chief Imam of Talluje village and two other residents during coordinated attacks on Talluje and neighbouring Chofi communities in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes amid renewed insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West.

The attacks, which occurred on Wednesday in Danchadi District, lasted for about two hours as heavily armed assailants stormed the communities, firing indiscriminately, looting livestock and sending terrified residents scrambling for safety. The latest violence underscores the persistent bandit attacks in Sokoto State, despite ongoing security operations across the region.

According to community sources, the attackers invaded both villages simultaneously at about 4:00 p.m., catching residents off guard. During the assault, the Chief Imam of Talluje was killed alongside two other residents whose identities had yet to be officially confirmed at the time of filing this report.

“The attacks started around 4 p.m. and continued until about 6 p.m. The bandits killed the Chief Imam of Talluje and two other persons before fleeing,” a community leader in Danchadi District said.

Residents said the attackers operated freely for nearly two hours before escaping with a large number of rustled cattle and other livestock. Although the exact number of stolen animals has not been confirmed, locals described the losses as significant.

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The attacks also triggered fresh displacement, with many families—particularly women, children and elderly residents—fleeing to Bodinga town and neighbouring communities in search of safety.

“As I speak, many displaced people are arriving with their belongings after escaping from the affected villages,” the community leader added.

According to residents, the gunmen entered the communities on motorcycles through Duma village, which borders Tureta Local Government Area, before launching the coordinated attacks.

A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed the attack and said security personnel had been deployed to the affected communities.

“We have received reports of the attack and mobilised our anti-kidnapping unit because there are fears the bandits may return,” the officer said.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, said he had not yet received a detailed briefing on the incident but promised to provide updates after making the necessary inquiries.

The latest killings mark the third reported killing of a Chief Imam in Sokoto State within recent weeks, highlighting the growing threat posed by armed groups operating across rural communities in the state.

Only days earlier, suspected bandits reportedly attacked Kuda-Kuda village in Goronyo Local Government Area, killing Chief Imam Liman Audu, three other residents and abducting several people, including women, while rustling livestock. Another recent attack in Illela Dawagware also claimed the life of an imam and three other residents, raising fresh concerns about the security situation in the state.

Despite intensified military and police operations aimed at dismantling criminal camps across Sokoto State and the wider North-West, residents say attacks have continued, disrupting farming activities, forcing repeated displacement and leaving many communities living in fear.

Community leaders have renewed calls on the Federal Government, the Sokoto State Government and security agencies to strengthen security in vulnerable rural communities, establish more permanent security posts and sustain operations against armed criminal groups.

The latest attack adds to the growing humanitarian crisis in parts of Sokoto State, where recurring bandit attacks have continued to claim lives, destroy livelihoods and displace hundreds of families.

Bandits Kill Chief Imam, Two Others in Coordinated Sokoto Village Attacks

Alleged Coup Plot: DSS Arraigns Five Over Concealment of Ex-Gov Timipre Sylva

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned five alleged associates of former Bayelsa State Governor and ex-Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, over allegations that they concealed his whereabouts after he was declared wanted in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The five defendants—Reuben Ayuba, Musa Mohammed, Friday Paul, Paganengigha Anagaha, and Ayebaifie Suobite—were arraigned before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and allegedly concealing the whereabouts of a fugitive.

According to the DSS, the defendants became accessories after the alleged offence by concealing Sylva’s whereabouts on or about April 28, 2026, despite allegedly knowing that he had been declared wanted by the Federal Government.

The security agency alleged that the defendants committed offences contrary to Sections 516 and 519 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004.

When the charges were read in court, all five defendants pleaded not guilty.

Following their pleas, counsel to the DSS, Emmanuel Orubor, urged the court to remand the defendants and fix a date for trial, stating that the prosecution was prepared to call witnesses to establish its case.

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However, defence lawyers, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Sunusi Musa, alongside Ibrahim Imadegbelo, I.G. Kelubia, and E.C. Sogo, applied for bail on behalf of their clients.

The defence informed the court that the defendants had remained in DSS custody since October 25, 2025, and urged Justice Lifu to admit them to bail on liberal terms pending the determination of the case.

In his ruling, Justice Lifu held that the offences contained in the charge are bailable and consequently admitted each defendant to ₦5 million bail, with two sureties in like sum.

The court directed that each surety must depose to an affidavit of means, provide evidence of payment of tax for the preceding three years, demonstrate a legitimate source of income, submit recent passport photographs, and undergo verification by the court registrar.

Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, Justice Lifu ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

The matter was subsequently adjourned until July 22, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

One of the charges alleged that the defendants concealed the whereabouts of Timipre Sylva, whom the DSS described as “a fugitive of the law,” thereby becoming accessories after the commission of a felony.

The arraignment forms part of a broader investigation into an alleged coup plot against the administration of President Bola Tinubu. According to court filings, security agencies allege that Sylva fled Nigeria before details of the investigation became public and was subsequently declared wanted.

Authorities have also initiated legal proceedings seeking the forfeiture of some properties allegedly linked to the former governor as part of the ongoing investigation.

The allegations against Sylva and the five defendants remain before the court. Under Nigerian law, they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The case is expected to attract significant public attention as the Federal Government continues its investigation into the alleged coup plot and related offences.

Alleged Coup Plot: DSS Arraigns Five Over Concealment of Ex-Gov Timipre Sylva