Governor Mbah enhances Forest Guard, increases minimum wage to N80,000

Dr. Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State, has initiated a thorough reorganization of the Enugu State Forest Guard as part of his efforts to bolster security in the region. This initiative includes raising the minimum salary for operatives to N80,000, in accordance with the newly established state minimum wage.

The governor has also mandated strict action against illegal logging, instructing that individuals caught cutting down young trees or participating in deforestation within the state’s forests face arrest and prosecution in line with current laws.

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These initiatives were presented by Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji (DCP Rtd.), the State Commander of the Forest Guard, during a series of stakeholder meetings held throughout the three senatorial districts over the past week. The town hall gatherings took place in Agbani for the Enugu East Zone, Nsukka for the Enugu North Zone, and Awgu for the Enugu West Zone.

Dr. Olasoji, a former Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing Operations at the Enugu State Police Command prior to his retirement, noted that the discussions with local government leaders, traditional rulers, town union heads, farmers, hunters, vigilante groups, and representatives of women and youth aimed to foster transparency and community involvement in the upcoming recruitment process.

He emphasized that candidates must demonstrate integrity, with their nominations supported by endorsements from their traditional rulers and town union presidents, who will also be responsible for monitoring their conduct.

“We are here to have a heart-to-heart conversation with our stakeholders on how to keep politics and favouritism out of this exercise. We want trusted youths who know the forests, rivers and caves of their communities. They must not be involved in crime or drugs,” he said.

The commander added that the new approach would enable communities to nominate trusted youths who can play a frontline role in tackling insecurity.

“Our target is to disrupt criminal hideouts, rescue victims and secure our forests. The first batch will undergo two months of training by the end of this month, in line with directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser,” he explained.

He also requested cooperation from stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of community members providing timely information regarding criminal hideouts and illegal camps in the forests to ensure effective operations for the Forest Guard.

The council chairpersons from the three senatorial districts expressed their full support for the governor’s reforms. Barr. Obiora Obeagu of Isi-Uzo LGA, representing Enugu East, stated that there would be no personal or political interference in the process and assured that recruitment would be based solely on merit.

Engr. Jude Asogwa from Nsukka, representing Enugu North, along with Joseph Okoro for Enugu West, echoed this sentiment, commending Governor Mbah as a leader dedicated to the well-being of his constituents.

Traditional leaders also expressed their support. Igwe Herbert Ukuta, the Chairman of the Enugu North Traditional Rulers’ Council, remarked that the initiative demonstrated transparency and inclusiveness while also providing valuable employment opportunities for young individuals.

“We commend the state government for embracing a restructured and more effective forest protection system. Hosting meetings across the zones shows openness. This will strengthen security and create jobs for our youths,” he said.

Similarly, the Chairman of Aninri Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Daniel Njoku, vouched for Commander Akinbayo’s credibility, describing him as a man of proven capacity and zero tolerance for criminality.

“I have known him for a long time and can vouch for his integrity. We are also glad the process will not be politicised. Communities will do their part to select committed youths,” he stressed.