WARRI/Nigeria: On Friday, 23 November 2024, the Delta State Awareness Creation Committee on Youth Enlistment into Military and Paramilitary Services held a successful engagement with the youths of Warri South Local Government Area. The meeting, led by the Committee Chairman and Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. ThankGod Harry Trakiriowei, Esq., focused on sensitising eligible youths about recruitment opportunities and support mechanisms.
Hon. Trakiriowei explained that the initiative was established by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure broader youth participation in military and paramilitary recruitment processes. He highlighted the committee’s collaboration with local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and faith-based organisations to guide youths through online applications, screening exercises, and logistical challenges.
The Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Comrade Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro, commended the committee’s efforts and pledged his council’s full support. He announced the immediate creation of a dedicated recruitment desk to handle documentation such as local government origin certificates and recommendations from traditional rulers and prominent citizens.
Furthermore, Comrade Agbateyiniro committed to providing financial assistance to eligible applicants. “We will offer N50,000 to any youth invited for screening at the Cenotaph Complex in Asaba and an additional N150,000 to support successful candidates with transportation and logistics to their training destinations anywhere in Nigeria,” he stated.
The announcement was met with enthusiasm by the gathered youths, who expressed their gratitude to the council chairman for his proactive leadership and commitment to their welfare. They also assured the governor and the awareness committee of their eagerness to participate, particularly in the ongoing Nigerian Air Force Batch B Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) and Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) applications.
Speaking to journalists and during a live programme on Crown FM Warri, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Director General of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau and a member of the committee, highlighted the economic benefits of recruitment into military and paramilitary services.
“These positions provide stable, pensionable employment for youths and offer opportunities to further their education at military expense, where applicable,” Dr. Oghenesivbe noted. He urged applicants to meet the outlined requirements, including five O-Level credits (with English and Mathematics) for recruits and a Second Class Upper Division degree for NAF DSSC candidates. Physical and mental fitness, alongside other criteria, remain crucial for eligibility.
Dr. Oghenesivbe lauded Comrade Agbateyiniro’s robust support for the programme, describing it as a model for other local government chairmen to follow. He also emphasised key details for current recruitment opportunities, including the age limit for NAF DSSC applicants (18–26 years) and up to 40 years for medical consultants by September 2025. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply through the official NAF recruitment website or indicate the NDA as their first choice on JAMB forms.
“Comrade Agbateyiniro’s dedication has significantly simplified our work. We are confident that his exemplary approach will inspire similar initiatives across other local government areas,” Dr. Oghenesivbe remarked, expressing gratitude for the hospitality shown to the committee.
The awareness campaign aligns with Governor Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, which prioritises wealth and job creation through youth empowerment. The initiative aims to provide young Deltans with a pathway to stable employment while contributing to national development.
