Aiyedatiwa to recruit 1,000 youths into forest guard amid rising security threats

By Boye Oyeyemi

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has announced plans to recruit 1,000 young people into the State Forest Guard to boost security across the state.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, said Aiyedatiwa made the disclosure while receiving members of the Ondo State Youth Parliament at the Governor’s Office in Akure.

The governor explained that the recruitment exercise was part of a Federal Government initiative and noted that only applicants below the age of 39 would be considered for the programme.

He assured prospective recruits of adequate protection, stressing that they would not be exposed to unnecessary danger while carrying out their duties.

Aiyedatiwa further urged the Youth Parliament to nominate only responsible and trustworthy candidates for the exercise, warning that those recruited must not become security threats to the communities they are expected to protect.

“Whenever you see something, say something. Young people have a critical role to play in protecting their communities and supporting government efforts to maintain security,” the governor said.

The governor also approved the provision of a utility bus for the Youth Parliament, pledged support for the completion of the state’s Youth Policy Document and promised to appoint more young people into positions within his administration.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Henry Omoyofunmi, commended the governor’s commitment to youth empowerment, while the Deputy Speaker of the Youth Parliament, Aliu Moshood Abiodun, and National Representative, Blessing Ogunmolasuyi, praised the administration for supporting youth development and participation in governance.