Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has announced plans to recruit 1,000 youths into the State Forest Guard as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and safeguard communities across the state.
The governor made the announcement on Tuesday while receiving members of the Ondo State Youth Parliament during a courtesy visit at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure. He explained that the initiative is in line with a Federal Government programme aimed at improving security through community-based engagement.
Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed that prospective recruits must be below the age of 39, noting that the rigorous nature of the training and responsibilities requires physically fit and capable individuals. He assured that successful recruits would receive adequate protection and would not be exposed to unnecessary risks while carrying out their duties.
Highlighting the achievements of the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), the governor said no operative had lost his or her life in active service since the agency was established. Although some personnel had sustained injuries in the line of duty, he noted that they received quality medical attention and necessary support from the government.
The governor urged members of the Youth Parliament to recommend only responsible, disciplined, and trustworthy candidates for the recruitment exercise, warning against the inclusion of individuals who could pose threats to the communities they are expected to protect.
He also encouraged the youth lawmakers to remain vigilant and play active roles in promoting peace and security across the state.
“Whenever you see something, say something,” the governor charged.
In response to requests presented by the Youth Parliament, Governor Aiyedatiwa approved the provision of a utility bus to facilitate the parliament’s activities. He also pledged to receive members of the national body of the Nigeria Youth Parliament during their proposed visit to Ondo State and assured them of government support towards the completion of the Youth Policy Document currently being developed by the parliament.
The governor further promised to appoint more young people into positions of responsibility within his administration, reaffirming his commitment to youth inclusion in governance.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Henry Omoyofunmi, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for prioritising youth development through strategic investments in human capital and employment opportunities. He noted that beneficiaries recently recruited into agencies such as the Hospitals Management Board, Primary Health Care services, and other government institutions had begun receiving appointment letters and resuming work.
Omoyofunmi also assured the governor of the continued support of youths across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Speaking on behalf of the Ondo State Youth Parliament, Deputy Speaker Aliu Moshood Abiodun pledged the parliament’s commitment to promoting the achievements of the administration across the state. He appealed for government support towards completing the Youth Policy Document, describing it as critical to the parliament’s long-term vision and operations.
He described Governor Aiyedatiwa as a youth-friendly leader committed to creating more opportunities for young people.
Also speaking, Ondo State’s National Representative at the Nigeria Youth Parliament, Blessing Ogunmolasuyi, expressed appreciation to the governor for funding the participation of Ondo delegates in parliamentary activities in Abuja. According to her, the intervention strengthened the state’s representation at the national level and reflected the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and inclusive governance.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami; Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Adesoji Afolabi; Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Barr. Allen Sowore; Chairmen of Akure South and Okitipupa Local Government Areas, Hon. Gbenga Fasua and Hon. Andrew Ogunsakin, alongside other senior government officials and youth leaders.
The recruitment initiative is expected to enhance community policing efforts while providing meaningful employment opportunities for young people, further reinforcing the Ondo State Government’s commitment to security, youth empowerment, and sustainable development.
