ASABA/Nigeria: The Nigerian Army has commended the Delta State Government for what it described as a strategic and results-driven approach to youth development, with a marked increase in enlistment into military and paramilitary services across the state.
Commander of the 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Folu Shonibare, gave the commendation on Tuesday in Asaba while receiving members of the State Awareness Creation Committee on Youth Enlistment into Military and Paramilitary Services, declaring that Delta State is now on course to meet—and possibly exceed—its recruitment quota.
Shonibare attributed the progress to the deliberate intervention of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, whose administration he said demonstrated foresight by establishing a dedicated committee to drive awareness and mobilization efforts across the state.
“Since the inauguration of this committee, we have seen a remarkable shift. 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,” the Brigade Commander stated.
He described the governor as a leader committed to youth empowerment, noting that the initiative not only provides employment opportunities but also instills discipline, patriotism, and a sense of national service among young people.
The Brigade Commander further assured the committee of sustained collaboration with the military, emphasizing that strengthening the pipeline of youth enlistment would contribute significantly to national security and institutional capacity.
“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,” he added.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee and Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister ThankGod Trakiriowei, expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for its continuous support, describing the partnership as instrumental to the committee’s achievements.
He disclosed that since its inauguration nearly two years ago, the committee has evolved into a robust platform for youth empowerment, creating pathways for thousands of young Deltans to access stable careers within the military and paramilitary services.
Also speaking, the Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, highlighted the impact of the committee’s aggressive media and grassroots engagement strategy.
According to him, sustained radio and television campaigns, weekly sensitization programmes, and community-based outreach initiatives have significantly reshaped public perception, positioning military service as a viable and honourable career path for young people.
Oghenesivbe called for enhanced collaboration between the committee and the Brigade’s public relations unit to further amplify awareness and consolidate the gains recorded so far.
“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 Governor Sheriff Oborevwori,” he said.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Political and Security Services, Mr. Theophilus Chuks Aguonye, acknowledged operational challenges in recruitment processes but affirmed that the state government has provided adequate funding and structural support to address them.
He explained that the committee has built a wide network of collaboration involving the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), traditional rulers, faith-based organisations, and other stakeholders to ensure effective mobilization of eligible youths.
Aguonye further revealed that during the last recruitment exercise, the committee facilitated free transportation for shortlisted candidates across the three senatorial districts to attend the physical screening 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,” he said.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the Committee Secretary, Chief Alfred Origbo; representative of the Delta Christian Community, Rev. Cyril Okonye; State Chairman of the National Youth Council, Comrade Sagboje Odiri Milton; and Chief Administrative Officer, Directorate of Political and Security Services, Mr. Emmanuel Egodo, among others.
