Social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, has opposed a reported government plan to swap the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) khaki uniform for Adire, a traditional Yoruba fabric. Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande revealed the proposed change during a Channels TV interview on Thursday, framing it as part of wider reforms meant to boost local production.
VDM fired back on Facebook, arguing that the scheme serves all Nigerians, not one ethnic group. "The Adire they want to use belongs to the Yoruba people," he posted.
He pointed to Nigeria's diversity as his main concern. "We have more than 250 ethnic groups in this country," VDM said.
The critic questioned the logic of forcing a single fabric across such varied communities. "How can you decide one morning that all these tribes should wear Adire as their NYSC uniform?" he asked.
VDM challenged the minister directly on her understanding of conditions facing young people nationwide. "To the Minister of Youth Development, this won't succeed," he stated.
"Have you traveled this country to see what our youths face?" VDM added in his critique.
The push to replace khaki uniforms aligns with government efforts to support Nigerian manufacturers and promote traditional crafts. However, VDM's response highlights sensitivities around national symbols and ethnic representation in a country with deep cultural divisions.
The Adire proposal has now entered public debate as stakeholders weigh whether the change truly serves the scheme's national character. The minister hasn't yet responded to VDM's objections or addressed concerns about ethnic perception linked to the fabric choice.
NYSC leadership has not issued a statement clarifying whether the uniform change will proceed as suggested or undergo further review given the backlash.
