Makinde urges Oyo youths to join Army, lauds new formations

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has commended the Nigerian Army and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for approving four additional military formations in the state, describing the development as a major boost to security.

Makinde, who spoke through his Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, made the commendation on Wednesday at a sensitisation programme for indigenes and stakeholders on the ongoing 92 Regular Recruits Intake (RRI) for Trades/Non-Tradesmen and Women, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The governor listed the newly approved formations as a brigade and battalion in Oyo town, an Infantry Battalion in Kishi, an Artillery Regiment Battalion in Iseyin and another battalion in Oriire.

He said the formations would strengthen security across the state, adding that they were strategically positioned not only for local security operations but also for national defence and offensive operations when necessary.

Describing the recruitment sensitisation campaign as timely, particularly against the backdrop of recent banditry challenges, Makinde said only a well-organised and identifiable institution such as the Nigerian Army could effectively confront such threats.

The governor also linked the recruitment exercise to employment generation, noting that although his administration had employed more than 23,000 workers into the civil and public service since 2019, thousands of qualified youths were still without jobs.

He urged qualified young men and women in the state to take advantage of the recruitment exercise, describing the Nigerian Army as an institution capable of providing meaningful employment, professional training and a clear career path.

Makinde assured the organisers that the state government would widely disseminate information about the recruitment exercise across the 33 local government areas.

He expressed confidence that Oyo youths would respond massively, while appealing to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and other stakeholders to help circulate the information.

Speaking on the 92 Regular Recruits Intake, the Team Lead, Brig.-Gen. Olusegun Okungbure, said the sensitisation programme was organised to encourage eligible and able-bodied youths to enlist in the Nigerian Army.

Okungbure disclosed that the recruitment exercise commenced on September 9, 2026, and would end on October 21, 2026, stressing that it was open to qualified male and female indigenes of Oyo State.

He emphasised that the application was free, warning prospective applicants to use only the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal.

The Army chief explained that the current sensitisation followed an earlier recruitment exercise ordered by the COAS because of the low turnout of applicants from Oyo State.

According to him, although the intervention led to an increase in applications, the state still fell short of its allotted quota of successful candidates.

He therefore urged youths across the 33 local government areas to see enlistment in the Army as a noble call to national service rather than merely an avenue for securing employment.

He highlighted some of the benefits of military service to include national integration, foreign exposure, participation in international peacekeeping operations, improved welfare packages and access to world-class medical care.

In his vote of thanks, the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Security Coordination, Maj.-Gen. Lukman Omoniyi (rtd), commended Makinde for his continued support for security agencies in the state.

Omoniyi urged stakeholders to take the recruitment message to their communities and ensure that qualified youths were adequately informed about the exercise.

Earlier, the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, in his goodwill message, appealed to parents to encourage their wards to register for the recruitment exercise.

He also urged applicants to strictly comply with the entry requirements to enable Oyo State meet its recruitment quota.

The event was attended by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaja Wasilat Adegoke; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun; Commissioner for Energy, Prof. Dahud Shangodoyin; Executive Chairman, OYORUWASSA, Alhaji Babalola Afobaje; Executive Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamorudeen Aderibigbe; Chairperson, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Dotun Olaitan; permanent secretaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, market leaders and other stakeholders to complement government efforts .

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