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 and national defence.
Makinde, represented by his Deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, spoke on Wednesday at a public sensitisation programme for Oyo indigenes and other stakeholders on the ongoing 92 Regular Recruits Intake (RRI) for Trades and 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.
According to him, the formations would strengthen security across the state while also providing the capacity for national defence and offensive operations when required.
Makinde described the sensitisation programme as timely, particularly against the backdrop of recent banditry and other security challenges confronting the country.
He said only an organised and identifiable institution such as the Nigerian Army could effectively confront such threats, stressing the importance of strengthening security institutions.
The governor also linked the recruitment exercise to employment opportunities for young people, noting that although his administration had employed more than 23,000 workers into the civil and public service since 2019, thousands of qualified youths remained unemployed.
The governor also linked the recruitment exercise to employment opportunities for young people, noting that although his administration had employed more than 23,000 workers into the civil and public service since 2019, thousands of qualified youths remained unemployed.
He said joining the Nigerian Army would provide young men and women with meaningful employment, professional development and a clear career path.
Makinde assured the Army that the state government would widely disseminate information on the recruitment exercise across the state, expressing confidence that Oyo youths would take advantage of the opportunity.
He urged qualified indigenes to enlist and appealed to stakeholders to ensure that information about the exercise reached communities across the state’s 33 local government areas.
Speaking on the 92 Regular Recruits Intake, the Team Lead, Brigadier General Olusegun Okungbure, said the sensitisation programme was organised to encourage eligible and physically fit youths to join the Nigerian Army.
Okungbure disclosed that the recruitment exercise commenced on September 9, 2026, and would end on October 21, 2026, adding that it was open to qualified male and female indigenes of Oyo State.
He emphasised that the application process was free and warned prospective applicants to use only the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal.
The Army officer explained that the current recruitment drive followed an earlier exercise ordered by the COAS because of the low turnout of applicants from Oyo State.
He said although the intervention increased the number of applications from the state, Oyo still fell short of its allotted quota of successful candidates.
Okungbure urged youths across the 33 local government areas to see enlistment as a noble call to national service rather than merely an avenue for securing employment.
He highlighted national integration, foreign exposure, peacekeeping experience, improved welfare packages and access to world-class medical care among the benefits of a career in the Nigerian Army.
In his vote of thanks, the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Security Coordination, Major General Lukman Omoniyi (rtd.), appreciated Governor Makinde for his continued support for security agencies.
Omoniyi urged stakeholders to take the recruitment message to their respective communities to ensure a strong turnout of qualified applicants from the state.
Earlier, the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, in his goodwill message, encouraged parents to support their wards in registering for the exercise.
He also urged prospective applicants to strictly comply with all 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), Mrs Dotun Olaitan; permanent secretaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders and market leaders, among other dignitaries.