Makinde hails Nigerian Army over approval of additional formations in Oyo
By Adejayan Gbenga
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has commended the Nigerian Army for approving additional military formations in the state to strengthen security and support efforts to tackle banditry and other security threats.
Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, gave the commendation on Wednesday during a sensitisation programme for indigenes and stakeholders on the Army’s 92 Regular Recruits Intake for tradesmen, non-tradesmen and women, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The governor listed the approved formations as a brigade and a battalion in Oyo town, an infantry battalion in Kishi, an artillery regiment battalion in Iseyin and another battalion in Oriire, noting that the deployments would strengthen security across the state and contribute to national defence.
He described the sensitisation programme as timely in view of recent banditry challenges, stressing the importance of a well-organised institution such as the Nigerian Army in addressing security threats, while urging qualified youths to take advantage of the recruitment exercise.
Makinde also highlighted the employment opportunities offered by military service, noting that although his administration had employed more than 23,000 workers in the civil and public service since 2019, many qualified young people remained unemployed. He assured the organisers that the state government would publicise the exercise across communities to encourage eligible indigenes to apply.
The team lead for the recruitment sensitisation programme, Brig. Gen. Olusegun Okungbure, said the exercise, which began on September 9, 2026, would close on October 21, 2026. He explained that the recruitment drive followed an earlier directive by the chief of army staff to address low participation from Oyo State, adding that applications had increased but the state had yet to meet its allocated quota of successful candidates.
Okungbure emphasised that the application process was free and warned applicants to use only the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal. He urged eligible male and female youths across the state’s 33 local government areas to view military service as a call to national duty, citing benefits such as national integration, foreign exposure, peacekeeping experience, improved welfare packages and access to quality medical care.
In his vote of thanks, the Executive Adviser to the governor on Security Coordination, retired Maj. Gen. Lukman Omoniyi, appreciated the governor’s support for security agencies and urged community leaders to raise awareness about the recruitment exercise. Earlier, the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, encouraged parents to support eligible children and wards seeking enlistment and advised applicants to comply with the entry requirements. Other dignitaries at the event included the commissioners for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade; Youth and Sports, Alhaja Wasilat Adegoke; Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun; and Energy, Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin, alongside other government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and market leaders.
