ASABA/Nigeria: In a strategic move to deepen government involvement in military enlistments and encourage youth participation in Nigeria’s armed and paramilitary services, the Delta State Government has concluded arrangements to send a high-powered delegation to the 72nd Regular Course Passing Out Parade and Commissioning of Officers at the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.
Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, said in a statement on Wednesday that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had mandated the State Awareness Creation Committee for Youth Enlistment into Military and Paramilitary Services to ensure Delta State’s active presence at the NDA event.
In full compliance with the Governor’s directive, the seven-member delegation will depart Asaba on Thursday, 25th September, to celebrate the 24 cadets of Delta State origin who are set to be commissioned as officers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, on Saturday, 27th September, in Kaduna.
The delegation, led by Commissioner for Youth Development, Barrister ThankGod Trakiriowei Harry, will make a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff in Abuja before proceeding to Kaduna to attend the passing-out parade. Following the ceremony, the state government will host the 24 newly commissioned officers and their parents to a special dinner in Kaduna, underscoring Delta State’s commitment to supporting its youth as they advance in their military careers.
Dr. Oghenesivbe noted that the 24 cadets represent all three branches of the armed forces, comprising seven Short Service Commission (SSC) cadets, three Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) cadets, and regular commission cadets including nine from the Army, four from the Air Force, and one from the Navy. All cadets are reportedly in high spirits ahead of the parade.
He also disclosed the names of the Delta State delegation to the NDA event: Barrister ThankGod Trakiriowei Harry (Commissioner for Youth Development) as leader, Dr. (Barr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe (Director General, Delta State Bureau for Communications and Orientation), Mr. Theophilus Chukwudi Aguonye (Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Political and Security Services), Dr. Ngozi Mogbolu (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development), Chief Alfred Origbo (Secretary, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council), Rev. Okonye Cyril (Representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN), and Mr. Emmanuel Egogo (Directorate of Political and Security Services).
The Bureau Chief emphasized that Governor Oborevwori’s directive to the committee aligns with the state’s job and wealth creation agenda under the “Renewed Hope for MORE” policy. He added that the initiative aims to maximize Delta State’s quota in all military enlistments and NDA admissions, while inspiring more youth to seek careers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary services.
“While in Kaduna, the committee members will host the officers and their parents to a special dinner, present gifts on behalf of the state government and the Governor, and celebrate their achievements,” Dr. Oghenesivbe said.
He concluded that the Governor’s gesture is expected to motivate Delta youths to apply for admission into NDA and other direct short service programs, encouraging active participation in future military and paramilitary recruitments across the country.
