The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday led efforts to boost participation of Edo youths in the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment exercise, as he received a delegation of the Nigerian Army at the Government House, Benin City.
The visit, which was part of a nationwide sensitisation campaign, saw the Governor reaffirm his administration’s commitment to creating awareness and ensuring the state meets its recruitment quota.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Okpebholo said the state government had already begun taking steps to publicise the exercise and would intensify efforts across all local government areas.
The Governor said, “Yesterday, I received your letter very late. When I went through it, I saw your request to create awareness, which we are already doing. I want you to take advantage of our Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS). I will speak with the Managing Director to grant you access for interviews if necessary.”
He further noted that the sensitisation campaign would be extended to the grassroots through local government structures.
He added, “I will be meeting with the local government chairmen and will direct them to spread the information across all local government areas. It is important that we meet up with our quota. We are going to take this seriously to ensure our people are aware of what is happening.”
Governor Okpebholo also appealed to the Nigerian Army to consider extending the application deadline to allow more eligible youths, especially those in rural communities, to participate.
He said, “I will also beg you to extend the time. There are many people in communities without internet access who may not be aware of this opportunity.”
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Brigadier General M. U. Ikobah, commended the Governor for his commitment to security and development in Edo State, noting that the visit was aimed at encouraging greater participation of Edo youths in the 91 Regular Recruitment Intake.
He disclosed that the recruitment exercise, which commenced on March 30 and will close on May 17, has so far recorded about 38,000 applications nationwide, with Edo State contributing only 291 applicants.
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According to him, the Nigerian Army plans to recruit about 14,000 personnel across the country, translating to about 300 to 400 recruits per state, stressing that Edo’s current figure falls below expectations.
Also present at the meeting were the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin City, Brigadier General A. O. Balogun; the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq; Chief of Staff (COS), Hon. Yakubu Musa; Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua; and Honourable Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Hon. Ebea Festus Odianosen, among others.
As part of the engagement, the sensitization campaign was later taken to the New Festival Hall of the Government House, where over 300 youths were addressed and encouraged to spread the message across their respective local government areas.
