Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sensitizing citizens about the importance of utilizing the state’s recruitment quota in the Nigerian Army to support national security.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized the need to encourage Edo youths to recognize the significance of joining the Army as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s security framework. He made these statements while receiving a delegation from the Chief of Army Staff during their sensitization visit to states in the Niger Delta.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Gani Audu, the governor assured the delegation that the state government would collaborate with the Brigade Commander to establish a team dedicated to spreading this message across all 18 local government areas in Edo State. He stated, “The State will work closely with the Brigade Commander to set up a team that will ensure the proper utilization of Edo’s recruitment quota in the Nigerian Army.”
The delegation, sent by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oloyede, was led by the Director of Supply and Transport Services at Army Headquarters, Brig. Gen. Wiito Nzidee. Lt. Gen. Oloyede’s tour of the Niger Delta aims to raise awareness among youths about available opportunities in the Nigerian Army, with particular focus on filling recruitment slots for the 89 Regular Recruit Intake.
Lt. Gen. Oloyede highlighted that Edo State has been underperforming in terms of utilizing its quota, hence the need for the ongoing sensitization efforts. The recruitment portal for the 89 Regular Recruit Intake is now open, and there are still available slots to be filled.
In support of these efforts, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army and a member of the delegation, noted that this initiative not only enhances national security but also creates employment opportunities within the state.
Current statistics show that while Kaduna has registered 2,393 applicants, Adamawa has 1,701, Bauchi 1,136, and Plateau 1,400, Edo has registered only 194 applicants out of the 2,000 available slots allocated to the state for the 89 Regular Recruit Intake.