Sokoto State government plans to recruit 3,000 workers into its civil service to tackle youth unemployment and reduce restiveness.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu announced the inauguration of a recruitment committee tasked with overseeing the selection of qualified state indigenes for civil service.
In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja by the director-general of Media and Publicity, Abubakar Bawa, the governor described the initiative as a strategic response to the high rate of joblessness, which he said has contributed to a rise in social vices among young people.
“We aim to provide gainful employment for our teeming youths and reduce the appeal of negative influences. We want to make them productive and valuable members of society,” the Governor stated.
Governor Aliyu directed the committee to prioritise unemployed graduates with qualifications such as the National Certificate in Education (NCE), Higher National Diploma (HND), and university degrees.
He stressed that the recruitment process would be merit-based, fair, and inclusive, covering all 23 local government areas of the state.
The Governor also instructed the committee to identify and focus on areas of manpower shortage within the civil service, ensuring the new hires fill critical gaps.
“Only eligible and competent graduates will be considered. This exercise is not for political patronage but for strengthening the capacity of our civil service,” he added.
He urged committee members to conduct the recruitment exercise with diligence, transparency, and fairness, noting that each member was selected based on their track record and experience in public service.
“You have been entrusted with a crucial assignment that affects the future of our state. Live above board and ensure the best candidates are selected,” he said.
Governor Aliyu also condemned the growing trend of the “informants’ syndrome,” where unemployed individuals aid criminal activities in exchange for money. He linked this to the lack of meaningful youth engagement.
“Joblessness has played a significant role in fueling insecurity. That is why we must keep expanding initiatives that create jobs and empower our young people,” he stated.
He highlighted various youth empowerment and poverty reduction programmes already implemented by his administration through the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship, and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
“We’ve trained thousands in skills like vulcanising, plumbing, electrical work, knitting, sewing, pomade and perfume production, make-up artistry, and more. Many have also received startup tools and capital,” he said.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Recruitment Committee, Alhaji Jelani Kalgo, praised Governor Aliyu for initiating the mass recruitment exercise and described it as a timely move to address unemployment and close workforce gaps.
“We thank His Excellency for his vision. I assure the people of Sokoto State that the committee will discharge its responsibilities per the guidelines provided,” he said.
Governor Aliyu concluded by expressing appreciation to the people of Sokoto for their continued support. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of all citizens—regardless of gender, status, or location.
