Okowa laments unfilled quota, urges Delta youths to join Army

State commends donors to flood victims

Following a recent report by Nigerian Army that Delta State has not filled its quota in the regular recruitment intake for tradesmen and women, the state government, yesterday, directed that a stakeholders meeting be called for top officers to talk to youths on the need to join the Army.

Okowa said the directive became necessary following a call by the Army headquarters to fill its quota in the ongoing Nigerian Army 84 regular recruitment exercise.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Patrick Ukah, made available to The Guardian yesterday, noted that many vibrant and strong youths of the state, who could serve in the army, failed to go for enlistment, and appealed to them to show interest, saying that it would be a thing of joy to see many citizens serving the nation.

He said the state government would use the Ministry of Youth Development to carry out one-on-one talks with youths on the importance of joining the Army.

Recall that Maj.-Gen Mohammed Jalo, recently, visited Okowa in Asaba to intimate the state government of the recruitment exercise, stating that it is a constitutional responsibility for every state to have its quota filled.

According to Jalo, Army Headquarters observed low turnout of the people in some states, including Delta.

THE state government also assured individuals and groups that made donations to flood victims across the state of judicious application of their donations.

Ukah said the state government was very much appreciative of their demonstration of true humanity and citizenship, which has shown that Nigerians in general are their brothers’ keepers.

He called for more donations in view of the severity of the flooding and the severe economic and associated social dislocations and the immense support required by victims to rebuild their lives.

The commendation came as the Delta South Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, presented relief materials to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Isoko Central School (ICS), Oleh, Isoko South and Alaka Grammar School, Ozoro, Isoko North.

Some of the items provided include bags of rice, beans, garri, gallons of palm oil, indomie noodles.