FIC Report (Edo State) – Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has assured officials of the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission 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.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday March 10th 2026, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the police headquarters in Abuja and the Police Service Commission at Government House in Benin City.
The delegation was led by Deputy Commissioner of Police, John Paul Echeta, from the Force Headquarters and Barrister Akoho of the Police Service Commission.
Also present at the meeting were the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, and the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, alongside other senior government officials.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Okpebholo said the state government would intensify awareness campaigns through various media platforms to encourage qualified applicants across Edo to participate in the ongoing screening exercise.
He attributed the low turnout of applicants so far to inadequate awareness.
According to the governor, “We will create awareness starting from now. We will use our media platforms to let the people know that the exercise is ongoing. Many of them may not even be aware that it is taking place.”
Okpebholo noted that a similar situation occurred during a previous military recruitment exercise in the state when many youths missed the opportunity due to poor dissemination of information.
He expressed confidence that with improved sensitisation, more young people would participate, particularly as the screening exercise is expected to last six weeks.
“Six weeks is enough for us to get people to participate. Once awareness is created, the turnout will definitely improve,” he added.
The governor also appealed to the recruitment team to consider prospective applicants who may not have completed the online registration process, especially those in rural communities where internet access is limited.
“There might be people who are interested but did not register online, especially those in villages where there is no internet. When awareness is created now, they will come out,” he said, urging the team to explore ways of accommodating such candidates.
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 move as a step toward strengthening security nationwide.
He stressed that community participation in policing would improve security outcomes because recruits familiar with local terrain and communities can respond more effectively to threats.
Earlier, DCP Echeta said the police team would remain in Edo for six weeks to screen applicants as part of the nationwide recruitment exercise conducted jointly with the Police Service Commission.
He, however, expressed concern over the low turnout of candidates in the state and called on the government and the media to help mobilise eligible youths to participate.
Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo also received the leadership of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Edo State Hospital Management Chapter, led by its chairman, Dave Ekpefan.
The association commended the governor for ongoing efforts to revitalise secondary and primary healthcare facilities across Edo State.
Signed:
Omoluogbe Ruth
FIC Benin city
March 11, 2026
