Police: Otunba Gbenga Daniel laments low enlistment of South West youths in military
Otunba Gbenga Daniel, senator representing the Ogun East Senatorial District, has highlighted the South West zone of Nigeria as having the lowest military enlistment rates. He made this statement during a dialogue with journalists organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, in Abeokuta.
In his address, Senator Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State and current Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Navy, appealed to parents to encourage their children to join the military. He emphasized the significant contributions of military personnel to the nation’s politics and economy, noting that the military, once seen as a job for ‘miscreants’ in the 60s and 70s, has produced notable leaders.
“As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Navy, I have seen firsthand our people’s lackadaisical approach to enlistment into this noble service,” he said. “A lot of positive things are happening in the Nigeria Navy on a daily basis, and I want to urge parents to stop discouraging their wards from joining the military and paramilitary services.”
Senator Daniel also discussed his legislative efforts, mentioning that he has sponsored 11 bills since his tenure began in the National Assembly last year. These bills are currently at different stages of consideration. Among them are the South West Development Commission Bill, the Federal College of Aviation Technology Bill for Ilara Remo, the Terminal Illness Trust Bill, the Media Practitioners Registration Council Bill, the Hospices Establishment Bill, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Birthright Bill.
He specifically highlighted the South West Development Commission Bill, which is at the second reading stage. Daniel described this bill as crucial for boosting the economy of the South West to enviable heights if passed and assented to by the President.
In addition to his legislative work, Senator Daniel has implemented various empowerment schemes and medical initiatives benefiting over 3,000 people. These programs include free eye treatments and provision of glasses, training and provision of tractors to farmers, grants and loans to traders and market women, and the distribution of sewing machines and working tools to artisans.
