Youths serving in voluntary uniformed organisations in Gombe State have appealed to the government to give them priority in future recruitment into the police, military and other security agencies.
They hinged their demand on experience, discipline, teamwork and community service.
The youths made the request during a parade competition on Wednesday in Gombe to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day.
The event was organised by the BREACH Initiative for Leadership Development in partnership with Youths O’Clock Gombe, Advocacy Centre for Development and the state ministries of Internal Security and Home Affairs and Women Affairs.
A former director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Gombe State, Ado Solomon, urged the authorities to harness the potential of young volunteers to strengthen security at the grassroots.
Solomon asked the inspector-general of police (IGP), Rilwan Disu, through the Gombe State commissioner of police, Ahmed Usman Chuso, to consider the volunteers when recruiting personnel for the proposed state Police.
He said many of the youths had already acquired discipline, teamwork and basic security skills through their voluntary service, making them valuable potential recruits.
Representing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the Chief of Staff, Abubakar Inuwa Kari, said security remained a major priority of the state government.
Kari said the government supported the establishment of State Police, noting that existing security agencies were overstretched.
He assured that any recruitment involving the state would be transparent, fair and merit-based, stressing that security matters would not be politicised.
Twenty-seven uniformed voluntary organisations participated in the military drill competition.
Also speaking, Capt. M.M. Nabinu said drill was not merely a display of physical coordination but a means of developing discipline, teamwork, alertness, endurance and respect for lawful command.
He said the parade competition demonstrated the potential of young people when properly guided and given opportunities to contribute to peace, security and national development.
The Boys Brigade emerged winner with 87.67 points, followed by Royal Ambassadors with 87 points, while JIBWIS Jos came third with 85.33 points.
