Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission (PSC) of his administration’s support for the ongoing police recruitment screening exercise in the state, while urging eligible youths to take advantage of the opportunity to join the force.
Governor Okpebholo gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, and the Police Service Commission on a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City.
The delegation was led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) John Paul Echeta from the Force Headquarters and Barrister Akoho from the Police Service Commission.
Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.; and other top government officials.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Okpebholo said the state government would intensify public awareness through various media platforms to ensure that qualified applicants across Edo State participate in the ongoing screening exercise.
According to him, the low turnout recorded so far may be due to inadequate awareness among potential applicants.
“Let me assure you that we will create awareness starting from now. We will use our media platforms to inform the people that the exercise is ongoing. Many of them may not even be aware that the screening is taking place,” the governor said.
He recalled that a similar situation occurred during a previous military recruitment exercise when many youths missed the opportunity due to lack of adequate information.
Governor Okpebholo expressed confidence that with increased sensitisation, more Edo youths would participate in the exercise, noting that the six-week duration of the screening process provides enough time for wider participation.
“Six weeks is enough for us to mobilise our people to participate. Once awareness is created, the turnout will definitely improve,” he added.
The governor also appealed to the recruitment team to consider interested applicants who may not have been able to complete the online registration process, particularly those in rural communities where internet access is limited.
“There might be people who are interested but could not register online, especially those in villages where internet access is a challenge. With proper awareness now, they will come out, and there may be a need to see how such people can still be accommodated,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo further commended the Federal Government for increasing the number of recruits into the Nigeria Police Force from 30,000 to 50,000, describing the decision as a significant step towards strengthening security across the country.
He stressed the importance of community participation in policing, noting that recruiting individuals who understand their local environment can help improve security and enhance effective policing.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, DCP John Paul Echeta, said the police team would remain in Edo State for six weeks to screen applicants as part of the ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise conducted jointly by the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission.
He, however, expressed concern over the low turnout of applicants in the state and appealed to the government and the media to encourage eligible candidates to participate in the exercise.
In a related development, Governor Okpebholo also received the leadership of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Edo State Hospital Management Board Chapter, led by its Chairman, Dr. Dave Ekpefan, who commended the governor for his efforts in revitalising secondary and primary healthcare facilities across the state.