ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has rolled out a comprehensive welfare package for candidates participating in the ongoing Nigerian Army Regular Recruits Intake (RRI) 91 screening exercise in Asaba, in a move aimed at easing financial and logistical challenges facing prospective recruits.
The intervention, approved by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, includes daily welfare support, accommodation materials and transportation services for shortlisted candidates, underscoring the state’s commitment to supporting youths seeking careers in the nation’s armed forces.
Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, disclosed this on Thursday as the screening exercise entered its 10th day at the Cenotaph Complex, Asaba.
According to him, the welfare package was designed to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of candidates throughout the duration of the exercise while reducing the burden on applicants who travelled from different parts of the state and beyond.
He explained that foams and bedding materials had been provided for all candidates to improve their accommodation conditions, while buses were deployed to transport them daily between their hostels and the screening centres.
The exercise, which commenced earlier this month, is expected to conclude on June 23, 2026.
Oghenesivbe revealed that 563 applicants from Delta State were shortlisted for the recruitment exercise, adding that more than 300 candidates had already reported for screening, while nearly 260 were yet to arrive.
He said the screening is being conducted at two designated centres, with medical examinations taking place at the Nigerian Army 63 Brigade Headquarters, Asaba, and physical as well as credential verification exercises held at the Cenotaph Complex.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the Nigerian Army 63 Brigade, Asaba, Brigadier General Folu Shonibare, and the Director of Recruitment at the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Brigadier General I. Sule, visited candidates on Wednesday to encourage and motivate them.
The senior military officers urged participants to remain disciplined, focused and committed throughout the screening process, describing enlistment into the Nigerian Army as an opportunity to serve the nation with honour and dedication.
They also assured candidates that the recruitment exercise would remain transparent, fair and merit-based.
Oghenesivbe called on all shortlisted candidates who had yet to report for screening to do so without delay, stressing that participation in the exercise is compulsory for those seeking enlistment into the Nigerian Army.
He advised candidates to present original and photocopies of all required documents, including birth certificates or age declarations, educational qualifications, certificates of state of origin, recommendation or attestation letters, National Identification Number (NIN) slips, Bank Verification Number (BVN) printouts and online-generated application forms.
Candidates are also expected to appear in the prescribed dress code comprising two pairs of blue shorts, white T-shirts, white canvas shoes and white socks.
The Bureau Director-General further reminded applicants that tattoos, body inscriptions and multiple body piercings remain prohibited under the recruitment guidelines and could result in disqualification, although tribal marks remain acceptable.
He appealed to local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders and senior government officials to support shortlisted candidates, particularly in facilitating recommendation letters, attestation documents and other logistics required for successful participation in the exercise.
Oghenesivbe emphasised that no qualified candidate should lose the opportunity to serve in the Nigerian Army because of avoidable delays or lack of support.
He therefore urged all eligible applicants who were yet to report to complete the screening process before the June 23 deadline.
The ongoing recruitment exercise is expected to provide opportunities for hundreds of young Nigerians seeking careers in the military while contributing to national security and service.
