By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Federal Character Commission (FCC) Commissioner in Oyo State, Prince Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye, has expressed disappointment over the low turnout of shortlisted applicants during the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment screening exercise in the state.
Speaking after monitoring the exercise at the 2nd mechanized division, Adekunle Fajuyi Military Cantonment, Ibadan, Aleshinloye frowned at what he described as a nonchalant attitude displayed by most Oyo applicants.
According to him, out of the 941 candidates shortlisted for the screening exercise, which is already inadequate for Oyo state, only 472 reported for the exercise.
The Commissioner advised applicants whose documents require corrections or updates to urgently take the necessary steps to regularize them.
He encouraged such candidates to liaise with their parents and guardians to obtain the required original documents, noting that many applicants arrived at the screening venue without complete documentation.
Aleshinloye revealed that more than half of the shortlisted candidates failed to present their original credentials, while several others had discrepancies in their documents that required adjustments.
He warned that failure to provide the necessary documents could lead to disqualification from the exercise.
He further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government chairmen, and community stakeholders to help disseminate information about the recruitment exercise to the grassroots and most especially the subsequent exercises ensuring that youths in Oyo State do not miss out on available opportunities.
Reiterating his commitment to the core principles of the Federal Character Commission, Aleshinloye stressed the importance of fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in federal recruitment processes.
He noted that while government agencies strive to ensure equal opportunities for all states and groups, applicants must also fulfill their own responsibilities by complying with screening requirements.
“When opportunities are provided in the spirit of fairness and equity, applicants must also do the right thing by presenting themselves and meeting all necessary requirements,” he stated.
He therefore encouraged youths across Oyo state to remain proactive and always take advantage of future military, paramilitary, and police recruitment exercises by participating fully in all stages of the process.
