ONDO TO RECRUIT 1,000 YOUTHS INTO STATE FOREST GUARD
Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has announced plans to recruit 1,000 youths into the State Forest Guard as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by members of the Ondo State Youth Parliament at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office in Akure, noting that it is a Federal Government initiative.
The governor said prospective recruits must be below 39 years of age, noting that individuals above 40 may not be able to withstand the rigours of the training required for the assignment.
He assured that those recruited would be adequately protected and would not be exposed to unnecessary risks in the course of duty.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that since the establishment of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, otherwise known as the Amotekun Corps, no operative had lost his life in active service.
While acknowledging that some operatives had sustained injuries in the line of duty, he said they received quality medical care and support.
The governor urged the Youth Parliament to recommend only responsible and trustworthy individuals for the recruitment exercise, warning that those engaged must not become threats to the communities they are expected to protect.
He also charged members of the parliament to remain good ambassadors of the state and stay vigilant on security issues, stressing that youths have a crucial role to play in safeguarding their communities.
“Whenever you see something, say something,” he said.
Responding to requests presented by the youth lawmakers, the governor approved the provision of a utility bus to enhance the activities of the parliament.
He also pledged to receive members of the national body of the Youth Parliament during a proposed visit to the state and assured them of government support for the completion of the Youth Policy Document being developed by the parliament.
The governor further promised to appoint more youths into positions of responsibility in his administration.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Henry Omoyofunmi, commended the governor for prioritising youth development and responding to the aspirations of young people.
He thanked the governor for creating opportunities for youths through strategic investments in human capital development.
Omoyofunmi also lauded the administration for creating employment opportunities, noting that beneficiaries recruited through agencies such as the Hospitals Management Board, Primary Health Care services and other institutions had begun receiving appointment letters and resuming work.
He assured the governor of the continued support of youths across the state’s 18 local government areas.
In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker of the Ondo State Youth Parliament, Aliu Moshood Abiodun, said members would continue to promote the achievements of the administration across their constituencies.
He appealed to the governor to support the completion of the Youth Policy Document, describing it as essential to the parliament’s operations and long-term objectives.
Describing Aiyedatiwa as a youth-friendly governor, he said the parliament would continue to seek greater opportunities for youths across the state.
Also speaking, the National Representative of the Youth Parliament from Ondo State, Blessing Ogunmolasuyi, commended the governor for releasing funds that enabled Ondo delegates to participate in activities of the Nigeria Youth Parliament in Abuja.
According to her, the support ensured effective representation of the state at the national level and strengthened the voice of Ondo youths within the parliament.
She further praised the governor’s commitment to youth development, infrastructure growth and inclusive governance, describing him as a strong supporter of young people.
Those in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Commissioner for Environment, Dr Tob Loko; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Adesoji Afolabi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Barr. Allen Sowore; and the Chairmen of Akure South and Okitipupa Local Government Areas, Hon. Gbenga Fasua and Hon. Andrew Ogunsakin, among others.
