The Enugu State Forest Guard (ESFG) has announced a three-day statewide stakeholders’ town hall meeting from Tuesday, September 2, to Thursday, September 4, 2025.
The aims of the meeting include strengthening community partnership in forest protection and unveiling a new transparent recruitment framework under the E3 initiative (Eligibility, Evidence, and Ethics). The town hall meetings will be held at the headquarters of each senatorial district, namely Nsukka (for Enugu North), Agbani (for Enugu East), and Awgu (for Enugu West).
The Commander of Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. Akinbayo Olasoji (DCP Rtd), who spoke ahead of the events, said the town hall sessions will deepen trust between the Forest Guard and local communities, ensure fair recruitment, and provide a platform to coordinate support from local governments, traditional rulers, and security agencies.
“Our goal is simple: build trust, align with our communities, and deliver disciplined, lawful operations. We will listen first, agree on practical support with each LGA, and ensure recruitment is fair, community-validated, and non-politicised,” Dr. Olasoji stated.
NewsBits learnt that the initiative is part of Governor Peter Mbah’s broader effort to secure Enugu communities, protect farmers, and eliminate criminal activities along forest corridors. Reports said that since assuming office, Governor Mbah has prioritized security and public safety as a foundation for economic growth, community development, and agricultural productivity.
The stakeholders’ engagements will bring together traditional rulers, town unions, hunters, farmers, vigilante formations, market leaders, community-based organizations, youth and women groups, and security agencies (Police, DSS, NSCDC) to map out practical strategies for securing forests and farmlands.
The Forest Guard Commander explained that each town hall session will focus on: Clarifying the Forest Guard’s lawful role and complaint channels. Strengthening community intelligence to prevent illegal logging, kidnapping, and wildlife crimes. Coordinating LGA support, including office space, radios, and logistics for patrols.
Deconfliction with other agencies to avoid operational clashes. E3 Recruitment Briefings to ensure fairness, gender inclusion, and transparency. He explained that recruitment will be open to Enugu residents aged 20–45, with a minimum of First School Leaving Certificate, proof of residency in their LGA/ward, good physical fitness, a clean record, and endorsements from community leaders.
The Forest Guard Commander urged Ndi Enugu, particularly farmers, hunters, youths, women, town unions, market, and community leaders, to turn out in large numbers and actively participate in the sessions.
“This is your chance to help shape how our forests and farmlands are secured. The Forest Guard belongs to the people, and it will succeed only with your involvement,” he added.
The town hall meetings will be held daily from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, followed by a closed-door security coordination meeting with agency heads and a media briefing from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
