Brigade Commander, Shonibare commends Oborevwori’s bold push for Delta Youth Enlistment into Military
In a strong show of confidence in Delta State’s youth development drive, the 63 Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army in Asaba, Brigadier General Folu Shonibare, has applauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as a “deliberate and impactful” strategy to channel young people into military and paramilitary careers.
Speaking on Tuesday while receiving members of the State Awareness Creation Committee on Youth Enlistment into Military and Paramilitary Services, Shonibare declared that Delta State is now firmly on track to meet and potentially exceed its recruitment quota.
According to the Brigade Commander, the transformation did not happen by chance. He credited the governor’s foresight in setting up a dedicated committee to drive enlistment campaigns, a move he said has dramatically increased youth participation in military service.
“Since the inauguration of this committee, we have seen a remarkable shift,” Shonibare noted. “Delta youths are stepping forward with renewed confidence and purpose. The state is no longer struggling to meet its quota, it is rising to the occasion.”
He further described Governor Oborevwori as a leader deeply invested in the future of young people, emphasizing that his administration’s policies reflect a clear commitment to job creation, discipline, and national service.
The visit was not merely ceremonial, it underscored a growing partnership between the military and the state government. Shonibare assured the committee of continued collaboration, urging them to sustain the momentum and expand their outreach.
“We are ready to support this initiative at every level. The more young people we bring into military service, the stronger both the state and the nation become,” the Brigade Commander said.
Earlier, the Committee Chairman and Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister ThankGod Trakiriowei, expressed gratitude to the Brigade for its consistent support, describing the relationship as pivotal to the committee’s success.
He revealed that the Committee inaugurated nearly two years ago, has evolved into a powerful vehicle for youth empowerment, opening doors to stable careers and national service for thousands of young Deltans.
Adding depth to the conversation, the Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, highlighted the committee’s aggressive media strategy.
He disclosed that through radio, television campaigns, weekly talk shows, and grassroots sensitization, the message has reached communities across the state, igniting interest and reshaping perceptions about military careers.
The Bureau Director General called for deeper synergy between the Committee and the Brigade’s public relations unit to further amplify awareness and inspire even more youths to enlist.
“Delta State is not just preparing its youth for jobs, it is shaping a generation for service, discipline, and national pride in line with the MORE Agenda of the governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori,” Oghenesivbe said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Directorate of Political and Security Services, Mr Theophilus Chuks Aguonye, acknowledged existing challenges in recruitment processes but stressed that the state government has provided the necessary funding and structural support to overcome them.
He said the committee is partnering the state chapter of ALGON, Traditional Rulers, Faith based organisations and other stakeholders to ensure that youth are mobilized to enlist into the military and Paramilitary Services, adding that in the last recruitment exercise, the committee provided free transportation for shortlisted candidates across the three senatorial districts, for the physical screening exercise held at the cenotaph in Asaba.
“Our goal is clear. We are determined to ensure Delta State consistently fills its quota in military and paramilitary recruitment exercises. The foundation has been laid, now we must build on it,” Aguonye said.
In attendance were; the Committee Chairman and Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister ThankGod Trakiriowei, Director General of Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq, Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Political and Security Services, Mr Chukks Aguonye.
Others are; Committee Secretary, Chief Alfred Origbo, Representative of Delta Christian Community, Rev Cyril Okonye, State Chairman of the National Youth Council, Comrade Sagboje Odiri Milton and Mr Emmanuel Egodo, Chief Administrative Officer, Directorate of Political and Security Services.
