Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has affirmed that his administration will continue to raise awareness among citizens about utilising the state’s recruitment quota for the Nigerian Army thereby contributing to national security.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo emphasised that his administration will focus on sensitising Edo youths and encouraging them to recognise the importance of joining the Army to strengthen the country’s security framework.

The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Gani Audu, made these remarks while receiving a delegation from the Chief of Army Staff, who were on a sensitisation tour of states in the Niger Delta.

Okpebholo explained that the state government would collaborate with the brigade commander to form a team tasked with spreading the message across all local government areas of Edo State.

“The state will work with the Brigade Commander to establish a team that will reach all 18 local government areas of Edo State. This team will ensure the utilisation of the state’s quota in the Nigerian Army,” he said.

The delegation, representing Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, was led by Brigadier General Wiito Nzidee, Director of Supply and Transport Services at Army Headquarters.

The tour aims to sensitise youths in the Niger Delta about the opportunities available in the Nigerian Army, highlighting that Edo has fallen behind in filling its quota. The also visit aims to raise awareness about the need to fill available slots for the 89 Regular Recruit intake, with the recruitment portal currently open.

On his part, the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ebenezer Oduyebo, a member of the delegation, stressed that the recruitment process would not only enhance national security but also serve as a means of creating employment in the state.

According to available statistics, Kaduna has registered 2,393 recruits, Adamawa 1,701, Bauchi 1,136, and Plateau 1,400. In contrast, Edo has only registered 194 out of the 2,000 slots allocated to each state for the 89th Regular Recruit intake.

Edo youths will be encouraged to join military – Gov Okpebholo