Ondo govt to recruit 1,000 youths into forest guard

Gov promises more appointments

By Tolulope Eniola

Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has announced plans by the state government to recruit 1,000 youths into the Forest Guard as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state.

The governor made this announcement on Tuesday while receiving members of the Ondo State Youth Parliament during a courtesy visit at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure.

Aiyedatiwa explained that the recruitment exercise is in line with a Federal Government initiative aimed at enhancing security, particularly within forest areas. He noted that prospective recruits must be below 39 years of age, stressing that the assignment would require physically fit individuals capable of undergoing the necessary training.

He assured that those recruited would be adequately protected and would not be exposed to unnecessary risks in the course of their duties.

The governor also highlighted the success of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, noting that no operative had lost his life in active service since its establishment.

According to him, while some personnel had sustained injuries during operations, they were provided with quality medical attention and necessary support.

Aiyedatiwa urged members of the Youth Parliament to recommend only responsible and trustworthy individuals for the recruitment exercise, warning against the engagement of persons who could become security threats to their communities.

He charged the youths to remain vigilant and actively support efforts to secure their communities.

“Whenever you see something, say something,” the governor advised.

As part of measures to support the activities of the Youth Parliament, Aiyedatiwa approved the provision of a utility bus to improve the mobility of members.

He also pledged government support for the completion of the Youth Policy Document being developed by the parliament and promised to receive members of the national body of the Youth Parliament during a proposed visit to the state.

The governor further assured the youths of greater inclusion in governance, promising to appoint more young people 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 creating opportunities for young people through strategic investments in human capital development.

He noted that beneficiaries recently recruited into agencies such as the Hospitals Management Board and Primary Health Care services had begun receiving appointment letters and resuming duties.

Omoyofunmi assured the governor of the continued support of youths across the state’s 18 local government areas.

Speaking on behalf of the Youth Parliament, the Deputy Speaker, Aliu Moshood Abiodun, pledged the parliament’s commitment to promoting the achievements of the administration across their constituencies.

He appealed to the governor to support the completion and implementation of the Youth Policy Document, describing it as vital to the parliament’s operations and long-term objectives.

Abiodun also appreciated the governor for creating opportunities for youths and described him as a youth-friendly leader committed to the advancement of young people in 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.

She noted that the support had strengthened the voice of Ondo youths at the national level and appealed to the governor to host members of the national parliament during their proposed visit to the state.

Ogunmolasuyi further praised Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to youth development, infrastructure growth and inclusive governance.

Those present at the meeting 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.