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.

READ ALSO:

• Court Adjourns Emeka Ike’s ₦10bn Privacy Breach Suit Against INEC, Wike’s Aide
• UK Apologises for Historic Forced Adoption, Unveils £4 Million Support Package for Survivors
• Bandits Kill Chief Imam, Two Others in Coordinated Sokoto Village Attacks

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

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.

READ ALSO:

• MURIC Commends NSCIA Over Appointment of Abbas Jimoh as Spokesperson
• Presidency Dismisses Allegation Against Gbajabiamila, Says Accuser Is an ‘Impostor’ Facing Trial
• Obasanjo Warns Some Causes of Nigeria’s 1967 Civil War Still Persist

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

Presidency Dismisses Allegation Against Gbajabiamila, Says Accuser Is an ‘Impostor’ Facing Trial

The Presidency has dismissed allegations linking the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to bribery or the appointment of the head of a purported presidential agency, describing the claims as false and the accuser as an impostor currently facing criminal prosecution.

In a statement issued on July 1, 2026, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the Office of the Chief of Staff had, as far back as October 2025, alerted security agencies to the activities of Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, whom it accused of impersonation, forgery and operating a fictitious government agency.

According to the Presidency, Adeyemi falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, also referred to as the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, using forged appointment letters purportedly issued in the name of the Chief of Staff.

The statement explained that the Office of the Chief of Staff first raised the alarm after officials of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) reported that another organisation was operating as though it were a legitimate federal agency.

On October 17, 2025, Gbajabiamila’s office formally petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, requesting an investigation into individuals allegedly forging presidential appointment letters and impersonating government officials.

READ ALSO:

• Obasanjo Warns Some Causes of Nigeria’s 1967 Civil War Still Persist
• Police Arrest 12 Suspected Kidnappers, Cultists, Rescue Three Victims in Imo
• 2027: INEC Unveils Downloadable PVCs, Online Voter Registration

According to the petition, the suspects allegedly used forged documents bearing fake signatures, official seals and reference numbers to create the impression that the agency had presidential backing. The Presidency said the group also held meetings with foreign diplomats and Nigerian stakeholders and even sought a diplomatic note verbale from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate United States visas for its members.

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi

The statement further revealed that before the petition to security agencies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had written to both the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Office of the Chief of Staff seeking clarification about Adeyemi’s status.

The ministry’s inquiry followed a meeting allegedly organised by Adeyemi with ambassadors at the Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments in Abuja on October 10, 2025, without notifying or involving the ministry. According to the ministry, the meeting violated established diplomatic protocols.

Subsequently, the Office of the National Security Adviser contacted the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), which also sought clarification from the Chief of Staff regarding the purported appointment.

The Presidency said Gbajabiamila categorically denied appointing Adeyemi or authorising the creation of the agency, stressing that appointments of that nature fall within the constitutional responsibilities of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, not the Chief of Staff.

Police later arrested Adeyemi on October 27, 2025, at an office located within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, where he allegedly operated the fake agency. Searches conducted at his office and residence in Suleja, Niger State, reportedly led to the recovery of forged documents and other exhibits linked to the alleged operation.

During interrogation, Adeyemi reportedly claimed that one Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola assisted him in obtaining the forged appointment letter. However, investigators later established that Tanimola had died in a fire incident at Kachi Hotel in Abuja on October 22, 2025, several days before Adeyemi’s arrest.

According to the Presidency, police investigations concluded that the agency Adeyemi claimed to head never existed and that he forged appointment letters and other official documents to impersonate a presidential appointee.

Investigators also alleged that he fraudulently opened 34 bank accounts, including nine in the names of fictitious organisations such as the FCT Investment Promotion Agency and Public Private Partnership (FIPA-APP).

The police further alleged that Adeyemi used forged documents to open a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) account after misleading the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. Authorities, however, said no government funds were transferred into the account.

Police reportedly concluded that Adeyemi’s actions amounted to forgery, criminal impersonation and obtaining by false pretence, adding that the alleged activities brought the Presidency into disrepute.

Based on the outcome of the investigation, police filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi and two other suspects at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on November 27, 2025. The case is scheduled to resume on July 27, 2026.

The Presidency noted that although Adeyemi was granted police bail, he later resurfaced with fresh allegations claiming that Gbajabiamila personally appointed him to head the fictitious agency. It described the claim as contradictory to the statement he earlier made during police investigations.

Onanuga urged politicians and members of the public not to rely on Adeyemi’s allegations or politicise the matter while the case remains before the court.

He further claimed that Adeyemi has a history of making false representations, recalling that in 2016 he allegedly presented himself as the President-General of the World Youth Organisation, which he claimed was affiliated with the United Nations, before the UN reportedly denied the existence of such an organisation.

“The case of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew is a clear case of a con artist who appears to have built a web of false claims to deceive unsuspecting government officials and the public,” the statement read.

The Presidency maintained that the allegations against Femi Gbajabiamila are without merit and urged Nigerians to allow the ongoing judicial process to take its course.

Presidency Dismisses Allegation Against Gbajabiamila, Says Accuser Is an ‘Impostor’ Facing Trial