The Sokoto State Government says it plans to recruit 3,000 workers into the State Civil Service.
Gov. Ahmed Aliyu disclosed this at the inauguration of the committee set up to oversee the recruitment of state indigenes into the service.
He explained that the initiative is aimed at reducing the high rate of unemployment and youths restiveness, which often leads young people into social vices.
Gov. Aliyu charged the members of the committee to place priority on unemployed graduates with NCE, HND, and Degree qualifications.
According to him, the recruitment will cut across all the 23 local government areas of the state, stressing that only eligible graduates will be considered.
The Governor further directed the committee to focus on areas where the State is experiencing manpower shortages, in order to fill the existing vacancies.
He urged the committee members to carry out their assignment with diligence, justice, and fairness, ensuring that only qualified candidates capable of adding value to the civil service are recruited.
Gov. Aliyu said the members were carefully selected for the task based on their track records and abundant wealth of experience in public service, and urged them to live above board.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to making Sokoto youths more productive so that they can contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
The Governor decried the growing trend of “informants’ syndrome,” where people aid criminal activities for small amounts of money, noting that joblessness has played a significant role in this problem.
“This is why it is imperative for us to continue to introduce measures to engage our youths, so they can become useful members of society,” he said.
Gov. Aliyu recalled that since the inception of his administration, thousands of youths and women had benefitted from various skills acquisition programmes through the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as a myriad of poverty reduction initiatives.
“We have graduated thousands in trades such as vulcanizing, plumbing, electrical work, knitting, sewing, pomade and perfume making, and make-up, among others.
“We also provided them with working tools and start-up capital,” he noted.
While appreciating the people of Sokoto State for their continued support, Gov. Aliyu reassured them of his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of all citizens, regardless of gender or location.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Jelani Kalgo, a seasoned administrator, commended Gov. Aliyu for the bold initiative to address the manpower needs of the State Civil Service.
He assured the Governor that the committee would work diligently in line with the laid down guidelines provided, and pledged to live up to the expectations of the people of Sokoto State.