Posted by Chief Ambassador Johnny Chukwudi Metchie, the Assistant Commander General of the Nigerian Hunters and Forestry Security Service (NHFSS) in charge of Technical Services, has disclosed that preparations are being made for the governors of South States to start hiring fit young people for the Forest Guard Service in the New Year.
Metchie, the President General of the Umueri community and the Prime Minister of the Association of the Anambra State Town Unions (ASATU), revealed this on Friday when Anambra State NHFSS officials and soldiers paid him a courtesy call at his country residence.
He claimed that once it started, the program would result in the hiring of hundreds of thousands of young people from all five of the states that make up the geopolitical zone. He also said that because the Forest Guards would be collaborating with regular security personnel, the program would eventually help to eradicate insecurity.
As is done in the United States, Canada, South Africa, and many other nations, Metchie noted that eventually the Hunters and Forestry Security Service would take over the protection and safeguarding of forests throughout the nation. He also added that the program would help to protect farmers and their produce throughout the nation.
“First, let me formally inform you that, just about two weeks ago on Friday, December 15, I was appointed and decorated as Assistant Commander General of the Nigerian Hunters and Forestry Security Service in charge of Technical Service,” he stated. The Service’s Commander General, Dr. Osetimehim Jacob Wole, presided over the ceremony at its Abuja headquarters.
“Secondly, I must also inform you that the Hunters Bill has been approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives and is awaiting President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature to become law.
“When that occurs, which will be very soon, the Service will receive full official recognition. You will then receive formal permission to own weapons and all other facilities required for you to perform properly as Forest Guards, much like in the US and other developed nations.
Therefore, it is anticipated that you will all recognize what is ahead of you and get ready to do more to safeguard farms and forests in Anambra and Nigeria as a whole.
I will make sure that, in collaboration with state governors, town union leaders, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders, we recruit thousands of physically fit young people into the Nigerian Hunters and Forestry Security Service, particularly in the South East, while providing technical services across the country, as my new position entails, as a result of my appointment as Assistant Commander General in charge of Technical Services.
“We have already started talking to the South East Governors about the operational and recruitment models, and we’re hoping that after the New Year’s festivities, things will start happening.
“I want to genuinely congratulate you for making us proud thus far, which has caused the government to recognize the Umueri Hunters model and for which we have attracted many others to join you,” the letter continues.
They came to appreciate Chief Metchie’s numerous contributions to the welfare of Officers and Men of the Service, as well as to congratulate him on his appointment and decoration as Assistant Commander General, said the delegation’s leader, Chief Ojudogwo Titus Chukwudi, of the NHFSS for the Anambra State (Technical Services).