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Working People United (WoPU), a broad coalition of patriots comprising organised labour unions, seasoned professionals, artisans, traders, and stakeholders across critical sectors of Nigeria’s economy, has announced its intention to confer its highly esteemed “Responsible Citizen Badge” on Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the revered General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

This recognition underscores WoPU’s commitment to celebrating individuals whose voices and actions embody patriotism, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to national unity. Pastor Adeboye’s influence, which transcends the pulpit, has consistently reflected moral clarity, responsible leadership, and a deep concern for Nigeria’s stability and progress.

“The Responsible Citizen Badge” is not merely symbolic; it represents WoPU’s civic mission to highlight exemplary citizens whose contributions strengthen institutional accountability, foster constructive dialogue, and inspire collective responsibility in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.

By honouring Pastor Adeboye, WoPU seeks to affirm the value of principled leadership and encourage Nigerians at home and abroad to engage in nation-building with dignity and respect.

The honour will be bestowed in recognition of the highly revered clergy’s courageous and statesmanlike defence of Nigeria’s leadership and institutions, particularly in relation to the country’s ongoing security challenges.

The declaration follows Pastor Adeboye’s remarks at the US–Nigeria Faith Heroes Award Gala in Washington, where he responded to criticism of the Nigerian President’s handling of national security.

In his comments, Pastor Adeboye firmly rejected claims that the President had failed in addressing insecurity, stressing that the Commander-in-Chief’s role is to provide strategic leadership and direction, while operational responsibilities rest with the nation’s security agencies.

He noted pointedly that the President is not expected to “put on khaki,” underscoring the constitutional clarity of executive responsibility.WoPU described Adeboye’s intervention as a patriotic act and a demonstration of high responsiveness.

According to the coalition, Adeboye’s remarks contribute to a more balanced national discourse at a time when Nigeria faces complex security challenges requiring unity of purpose, institutional accountability, and coordinated action.

Speaking on the honour, WoPU Convener and National Coordinator, Comrade (Prince) Williams Eniredonana Akporeha praised Pastor Adeboye’s courage and moral clarity:

“Pastor Adeboye has consistently demonstrated leadership that extends beyond the pulpit. His voice in moments of national tension reflects responsibility, wisdom, and a sincere commitment to the stability and progress of Nigeria. Unlike others who have gone abroad to disparage the country for personal gain, he has chosen to defend Nigeria with dignity and patriotism.”

The “Responsible Citizen Badge Award”, unveiled during WoPU’s Good Governance Summit on June 25, 2026, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, is designed to honour individuals whose public engagement strengthens unity, promotes responsible leadership, and advances constructive national dialogue.

WoPU emphasised that the award is civic in nature, not political, and is intended to recognise voices that contribute meaningfully to peace, accountability, and national development.

By honouring Pastor Adeboye, WoPU seeks to highlight the importance of responsible citizenship and encourage Nigerians at home and abroad to engage in discourse that uplifts the nation rather than undermines it.

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in partnership with the National Pension Commission (PenCom) have recovered over N3 billion un-remitted pension contributions from employers.

In a statement signed by the Commission, the recovery was achieved through an ICPC-PenCom enforcement initiative aimed at addressing pension contribution defaults and protecting the retirement savings of workers.

“The recovered funds, obtained from defaulting employers in the electricity sector, have been fully remitted into the respective Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) of affected employees in accordance with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014.

The recovery demonstrates the effectiveness of the partnership between PenCom and ICPC in enforcing compliance with the PRA 2014 and ensuring that employers fulfil their statutory pension obligations.

PenCom had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICPC in October 2025 to establish a framework for collaboration on the recovery of unremitted pension contributions, investigation of pension-related infractions, and enforcement of compliance with the PRA 2014.

The ICPC is currently investigating several private sector employers referred by PenCom for non-compliance with the PRA 2014. With the ongoing collaboration, additional recoveries would be achieved as the investigations progress, under the PRA 2014, employers are required to deduct and remit pension contributions into employees’ RSAs within seven working days from the payment of salaries,” the statement read.

The statement added that failure to comply with this requirement constitutes a violation of the law and attracts sanctions, including the recovery of outstanding contributions, penalties and, where necessary, prosecution. All employers, particularly those in the private sector, are required to regularize their pension remittances and ensure full compliance with the provisions of the PRA 2014 to avoid regulatory and enforcement actions.

PenCom reaffirms its commitment to protecting the retirement savings of workers, promoting compliance with the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), and ensuring that pension contributions deducted from employees are promptly remitted into their RSAs.

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By Francesca Hangeior

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.

However, the proposed uniform change has generated widespread debate on X, with opinions sharply divided.

Opposing the proposal, @totematthew wrote: “Adire? Reforms should be thoroughly reviewed and deliberated before being presented to the public. Adire is a cultural heritage of the Yorubas. How then do you translate same to a uniform.

Echoing that sentiment, @skood009 said: “I’m Yoruba, and I honestly don’t think picking Adire alone reflects the full diversity of Nigerian culture. Adire is specifically Yoruba heritage. They should have chosen something that represents the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa cultures collectively, or better still, have three different attires representing each major ethnic group equally.”

For @ennyola0015, the issue was preserving the NYSC tradition. “People resist change, and this is one of the few changes I will vehemently resist. Replacing the iconic khaki with Adire as the NYSC uniform is unnecessary. Instead, Adire should be reserved for special occasions such as Passing Out Parades, cultural events, and community service activities.”

@OlajideAlabi1 also argued for retaining the existing uniform. “Naah, I do not think this is a good idea, it can be used for special occasions within the service year, but I think the NYSC uniform should be retained for continuity… it’s iconic.”

Others questioned whether the proposal addressed the scheme’s most pressing challenges

@mrkaydeed wrote, “You mean a committee sat down, reviewed the challenges facing NYSC, and decided that replacing khaki with Adire was the best use of their time? What are they smoking in this administration?”

In a similar vein, @nailzbyjae posted: “Peak governance: solve problems nobody complained about. If changing khaki to Adire is the biggest youth development idea on the table, then we’re in bigger trouble than we thought.”

Another user, @omonoile, criticised the proposal, saying: “The way Tinubu monopolized Lagos and everybody started doing whatever they like, is the same thing he is doing right now in Nigeria. What do you mean NYSC uniform will change to Adire.”

Others, however, defended the reform

@btunddej argued: “For over 50 years, Nigerian graduates have proudly worn a uniform whose origins lie in colonial India through the British Empire… If Nigerians could embrace a fabric with Indian and colonial origins as a national symbol, perhaps we can at least give a Nigerian-made textile with Yoruba origins an opportunity to earn that same status.”

He added: “The question is not whether Adire is Yoruba in origin; it clearly is. The real question is… what indigenous alternative comes closer in function and practicality? Not every national symbol begins as national.”

Supporting the government’s economic argument, @ImanaGodwin wrote: “This is actually a good idea. We need to start patronizing made in Nigeria product. It boost our economy there by strengthen the naira. The only issue is Adire belongs to Yoruba people.”

Also welcoming the proposal, @jpremewwcoin said: “From khaki to Adire is one reform nobody saw coming. If implemented, it would be one of the biggest visual changes in NYSC history. After decades of the same look, corps members might finally have a uniform that reflects a bit more Nigerian culture and identity.”