PSC Raises Alarm Over Low Youth Turnout in South West Police Recruitment Drive

A member of the Nigerian Police Service Commission, Taiwo Lakanu, has decried the low turnout of youths in the South West region in the ongoing recruitment exercise into the Nigerian Police Force.

He therefore urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders in the region to drive attitudinal change among youths and encourage them to join the police in order to contribute to the security of lives and property in the country.

Lakanu, a former Deputy Inspector General of Police, made the appeal at the palace of the Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Adeniyi, during the Commission’s awareness tour of the South West.

The retired DIG, who holds the chieftaincy title of Ajiroba of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom, expressed concern over the low response to the Federal Government’s plan to recruit an additional 50,000 policemen nationwide.

He noted that the Federal Government has introduced several measures to improve the welfare of police officers, making the profession more attractive to citizens. According to him, remuneration has improved, while the government has embarked on massive rehabilitation of police barracks across the country through Public-Private Partnerships.

Lakanu further appealed to Oba Adeniyi and other traditional rulers in the region to mobilise their subjects, particularly youths, to take advantage of the recruitment exercise, describing the current response as discouraging.

In his response, Oba Adeniyi assured the delegation that he, alongside the Baales in his domain, would embark on an extensive awareness campaign to sensitise residents, especially youths, on the benefits of a career in the police force.

He also directed chiefs in the kingdom to intensify efforts in spreading information about the recruitment exercise and the need for greater youth participation.

The monarch commended Lakanu for including the Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom in the Commission’s tour.

The Technical Adviser to the Police Service Commission, Olubunmi Ademoju, accompanied Lakanu on the visit.

Also present at the event were the wife of the monarch, Olori Mosunmola Adeniyi, White Cap Chiefs, and Baales in the kingdom.