The Sokoto State Government has announced plans to recruit 3,000 new workers into the state civil service as part of efforts to tackle unemployment and curb youth restiveness.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu disclosed this on Wednesday during the inauguration of a recruitment committee charged with overseeing the process. He said the initiative is designed to provide opportunities for qualified indigenes while also filling manpower gaps across ministries and agencies.
“The recruitment will cut across all the 23 local government areas of the state, but only eligible graduates with NCE, HND, and degree qualifications will be considered,” the governor said.
Aliyu emphasized that the exercise will focus on addressing shortages in critical areas of the civil service. He urged the committee members to ensure diligence, fairness, and transparency in the process, adding that their selection was based on proven records of integrity and public service experience.
The governor linked the rising problem of youth involvement in criminal activities—especially the “informants’ syndrome” of aiding criminals for money—to widespread joblessness. He said his administration is determined to keep young people engaged in meaningful ventures.
“Since the inception of this administration, thousands of youths and women have benefitted from skills acquisition programmes in trades such as vulcanizing, plumbing, electrical work, sewing, pomade and perfume making, and make-up, among others. We also provided them with working tools and start-up capital,” Aliyu stated.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of all citizens regardless of gender or location, stressing that youth empowerment remains central to his development agenda.
In his response, the chairman of the committee, Alhaji Jelani Kalgo, commended the governor for the initiative, describing it as a bold step to strengthen the state civil service. He assured that the committee would deliver on its mandate in line with the guidelines provided.
The recruitment drive is expected to give Sokoto’s educated youth a fresh opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the state’s growth and development.
