Sokoto Govt plans to recruit 3,000 indigenes, PWDs seek inclusion

In a bid to address unemployment and youth restiveness, the Sokoto State Government has announced plans to recruit 3,000 workers into the State Civil Service.

The initiative, according to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, aims to curb social vices by engaging young people and making them productive members of society.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee tasked with overseeing the recruitment, the governor emphasized that the exercise will prioritize unemployed graduates with NCE, HND, and Degree qualifications.

A statement by the Director General of Media and Publicity to the governor, Abubakar Bawa, quoted Aliyu as directing the committee to focus on areas with manpower shortages to fill existing vacancies.

He urged the committee to carry out their duties with diligence, justice, and fairness, ensuring only qualified candidates capable of adding value to the civil service are selected.

The governor noted that committee members were carefully chosen based on their track records and extensive public service experience, urging them to maintain high standards.

Addressing the issue of insecurity, Aliyu expressed concern over the growing trend of “informants’ syndrome,” where individuals aid criminal activities for small financial gains, attributing this partly to joblessness.

“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.

The governor highlighted his administration’s efforts since its inception, noting that thousands of youths and women have benefited from skills acquisition programs through the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship, and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

These initiatives have trained individuals in trades such as vulcanizing, plumbing, electrical work, knitting, sewing, pomade and perfume making, and make-up, with beneficiaries receiving working tools and start-up capital.

Aliyu reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of all citizens, regardless of gender or location, while appreciating the continued support of Sokoto residents.

The committee chairman, Alhaji Jelani Kalgo, a seasoned administrator, commended the governor for the bold initiative to address manpower needs in the civil service and assured that the committee would work diligently in line with the set guidelines to meet the expectations of the people of Sokoto State.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has passionately appealed to the state government for fair consideration and inclusion in the upcoming recruitment.

In a statement, the association’s state Chairman, Mu’azu Habibu, and Secretary, Mukhtari Sani Doki, acknowledged the state government’s concern for persons with disabilities but stressed that their inclusion in the recruitment would uphold their rights as guaranteed by the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.

JONAPWD described the decision to recruit 3,000 youths as a welcome development that would reduce unemployment and empower youths across the state.

However, they urged the government to consider a 5 percent special allocation for persons with disabilities in line with the 2018 Act.

The association emphasized that they have qualified candidates capable of contributing meaningfully to the civil service, adding that their inclusion would demonstrate the state’s commitment to equity, fairness, and inclusive governance.