Okpebholo Rallies Edo Youths for Police Recruitment, Pledges Government Support

Kingsley Ohens reporting

Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured officials of the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission of his administration’s full support for the ongoing police recruitment screening exercise, while urging eligible youths across the state to take advantage of the opportunity to enlist in the force.

The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, alongside representatives of the Police Service Commission, during a courtesy visit at Government House in Benin City.

The delegation was led by Deputy Commissioner of Police John Paul Echeta from the Force Headquarters and Barrister Akoho representing the Police Service Commission.

Also present during the engagement were Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., and other senior government officials.

Speaking during the meeting, Governor Okpebholo pledged that the Edo State Government would immediately intensify awareness campaigns through multiple media platforms to encourage qualified applicants across the state to participate in the recruitment exercise.

According to the governor, the low turnout recorded so far may largely be attributed to limited awareness among prospective applicants.

He assured the delegation that the state government would mobilize its communication channels to inform residents about the ongoing exercise and ensure that more eligible youths take part.

The governor noted that similar situations had occurred during previous military recruitment exercises where many qualified candidates missed opportunities due to insufficient information reaching them on time.

Expressing confidence that participation would improve significantly, Okpebholo emphasized that the six-week duration of the exercise provides adequate time for wider sensitization and mobilization of applicants across Edo State.

He also appealed to the recruitment authorities to consider applicants who may not have completed the online registration process, particularly those residing in rural communities where internet connectivity remains limited.

According to him, many interested youths in remote areas may have been unable to register online due to technological constraints, and mechanisms should be explored to ensure they are not unfairly excluded from the process.

Governor Okpebholo further commended the Federal Government’s decision to increase the annual police recruitment quota from 30,000 to 50,000 personnel, describing the move as a significant step toward strengthening national security architecture.

He stressed that effective policing is better achieved when local communities are adequately represented within security structures, noting that recruits from local environments possess a deeper understanding of the terrain, culture, and dynamics of the communities they serve.

Earlier, leader of the delegation, Deputy Commissioner of Police John Paul Echeta, disclosed that the police recruitment team would remain in Edo State for six weeks to conduct screening for applicants as part of the nationwide recruitment exercise being jointly implemented by the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission.

He, however, expressed concern over the low number of applicants who had reported for screening in the state so far, calling on both the state government and the media to assist in mobilizing eligible youths to participate.

In a related development, Governor Okpebholo also hosted the leadership of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Edo State Hospital Management Chapter, led by its Chairman, Dr. Dave Ekpefan.

The association commended the governor for what it described as renewed efforts by the state government to revitalize primary and secondary healthcare facilities across Edo State.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, who noted that the administration remains committed to strengthening both security and healthcare systems as part of its broader governance agenda.