The Delta State Awareness Creation Committee on Youth Enlistment in the Military and Paramilitary Services submitted its report to Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, JP, on Monday.
Dr. Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the State Government, accepted the report on the governor’s behalf, underscoring the government’s continued concern regarding Delta’s inability to fill its allocated slots, driven by youths’ decreasing interest in military and paramilitary services, which necessitated the creation of a special committee to address this pressing issue.
He assured that the committee report will be implemented to boost the number of applicants of Delta State origin in recruitment exercises, adding that career in the military, police, customs and other paramilitary services is in line with the job and wealth creation programmes captured in the MORE Agenda of Oborevwori’s administration.
He emphasized the need for government to embark on sustained awareness and sensitization campaigns on military, paramilitary recruitments, and degree programmes at the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA.
“This report is very important. I commend the Chairman and members for your time and various contributions.
“I will present the report to His Excellency, the Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, JP, for his attention and necessary action.
“I have no doubts in my mind that implementation shall commence very soon, because we need to start utilizing our slots during military and Paramilitary recruitments, going forward.
“In the last Army recruitment we did well as state, a total number of 137 qualified Delta Youths were recruited against the 80 recruited in 2023, due to massive media awareness campaign embarked upon by the State Orientation and Communications Bureau. We shall sustain media advocacy and other publicity strategies.
“Careers in military and Paramilitary services is in tandem with the job and wealth creation programmes encapsulated in the governor’s MORE agenda,” Dr Emu said.
Presenting the committee’s report, the Chairman and Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, ThankGod Harry Trakiriowei Esq, said the committee adhered strictly to her terms of reference, adding that government objective shall be accomplished through the strict implementation of the recommendations.
He said critical Stakeholders captured in the report include; traditional rulers, faith based organisations, youth organisations, Local Government Council Chairmen (ALGON), as well as other recommendations that would take the state to where it wants to be in terms of enhanced youth participation in military and paramilitary recruitments.
The membership of the committee is as follows: Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, ThankGod Harry Trakiriowei Esq (Chairman), Commissioner for Works (Rural & Riverine Roads), Hon Charles Aniagwu, Honourable Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Chairman of Delta State ALGON and Oshimili North Council, Hon Innocent Esewezie, Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq, Chairman of the National Youth Council, Comrade Kenneth Okorie, Permanent Secretary of Directorate of Political and Security Services, Chuks Aguonye, and Permanent Secretary of Chieftaincy Affairs.
