By CLARA EGBOGOTA

No fewer than 800 Delta youths have been shortlisted for the Nigerian Army 92 Regular Recruit Intake (92 RRI) screening recruitment exercise for trades and non-trades men and women in the state.

This is contained in a statement by Dr. Latimore Oghenesivbe, Director-General, Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications on Wednesday in Asaba.

Oghenesivbe attributed the number of applicants to enhanced public awareness, sustained sensitisation and extensive mass media publicity efforts of the state government through the bureau.

“This development is a clear indication that the state government’s deliberate investment in public enlightenment and strategic communication is yielding positive results, particularly in mobilising young people to take advantage of legitimate employment opportunities offered by the Federal Government and other relevant institutions.

He commended Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori for his unwavering commitment to creating employment opportunities and improving the socioeconomic well-being of Delta youths.

Oghenesivbe said the governor’s M.O.R.E Agenda placed a premium on human capital development, youth empowerment and the creation of pathways for young people to become productive, self-reliant and responsible citizens.

“Joining the Nigerian army offers youths more than an opportunity for gainful employment, it provides a structured career path, professional training, discipline, leadership development and opportunities for personal advancement.

“The combination of regular remuneration, applicable allowances, healthcare services, educational opportunities, professional development and career progression makes service in the Nigerian army a worthwhile option for a physically fit young Nigerians,” he said.

The bureau director-general said improved welfare framework for military personnel, including recent increases in salaries and allowances across the armed forces, has made military service an increasingly attractive career option for eligible young Nigerians.

He, therefore, urged prospective recruits to consider a career in the army as an opportunity to build a secured and meaningful future.

Oghenesivbe urged all shortlisted applicants to take the forthcoming state screening exercise seriously, remain focused and comply strictly with the official recruitment guidelines and instructions issued by the army.

He also urged the applicants to ensure that all relevant documents and credentials were properly arranged, present themselves at the designated screening venue and conduct themselves with discipline, honesty and decorum throughout the exercise.

He said that the army recruitment exercise is merit-based and that no individual could guarantee anyone automatic enlistment.

He, therefore, warned the applicants not to pay money to any individual or groups with the promise to influence their recruitment process.

Oghenesivbe urged those, who eventually made the final list to embrace the responsibilities of military service with patriotism, courage, discipline and unwavering commitment to the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national security.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the screening is scheduled to begin on Nov. 17 to Dec. 1 at the Cenotaph along High Court Road, Asaba. (NAN)