Benin City-Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday intensified efforts to boost the participation of youths in the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment, hosting a delegation of the Nigerian Army at Government House, Benin City.

The visit formed part of a nationwide sensitisation campaign aimed at increasing enlistment across states, with the governor reaffirming his administration’s commitment to ensuring Edo meets its recruitment quota.

Okpebholo disclosed that the state government had commenced awareness campaigns and would scale up mobilisation across all local government areas.

“Yesterday, I received your letter very late. When I went through it, I saw your request to create awareness, which we are already doing. I want you to take advantage of Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS). I will speak with the Managing Director to grant you access for interviews if necessary,” he said.

He added that the campaign would be driven to the grassroots through council chairmen to ensure wider reach.

“I will be meeting with the local government chairmen and direct them to disseminate the information across all local government areas. It is important that we meet up with our quota,” the governor stated.

Okpebholo also appealed for an extension of the application deadline to enable more eligible youths, particularly those in rural communities with limited internet access, to apply.

“I will also beg you to extend the time. There are many people in communities without internet access who may not be aware of this opportunity,” he said.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, M. U. Ikobah, commended the governor for his commitment to security and development, noting that the exercise targets increased participation in the 91 Regular Recruitment Intake.

He revealed that although about 38,000 applications had been received nationwide since the exercise commenced on March 30, Edo State had recorded only 291 applicants, far below its expected quota of between 300 and 400 recruits out of the 14,000 planned nationwide.

Other officials present included A. O. Balogun; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff, Yakubu Musa; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kassim Afegbua; and Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Ebea Festus Odianosen.

The sensitisation campaign was later extended to the New Festival Hall of Government House, where over 300 youths were addressed and encouraged to disseminate the information within their communities.

The statement was signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele.