The recruitment process for forest rangers in Cross River State, conducted by the Forestry Commission, has officially completed the oral interviews and physical screenings for applicants.
Rt Hon. George O’ben-Etchi, the Chairman/CEO of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, has given assurance to Cross Riverians that the ongoing recruitment process will be transparent. All shortlisted applicants who participated in the oral interview/physical screening will have equal opportunities to pursue a career as forest rangers.
He emphasized that applicants underwent thorough screening and were appropriately shortlisted for both the oral interview and physical screening. He highlighted that the entire recruitment process is merit-based across all stages.
Addressing candidates at the Commission’s headquarters in Calabar on Friday, O’ben-Etchi emphasized the commission’s commitment to recruiting the most qualified individuals among the pool of unemployed youth who have applied.
He expressed gratitude to the ‘People First’ Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for generously approving the recruitment of 300 new forest rangers. This move is intended to fill consequential vacancies within the Cross River State Forestry Commission. He further pointed that Governor Otu is dedicated to sustainable management of the Cross River forest, combating illegal logging, and addressing other nefarious activities that pose a significant threat to our forests.
After the conclusion of the exercise, O’ben-Etchi spoke to journalists, describing the screening process as free, fair, and transparent. He emphasized its smoothness and absence of bias. He assured candidates that the released results of the oral interview and physical screening would accurately reflect transparency and merit.
He stated that the Governor’s commitment to Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) is evident in the recent decision to lift a 17-year logging embargo. O’ben-Etchi emphasized that hiring credible and qualified forest rangers is a crucial part of the ongoing efforts to preserve the forest and protect it from illegal logging.
The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Asikpo-Okon, who spoke to journalists on the sidelines of the interview on Thursday, praised the Governor for generously approving the recruitment of rangers into the commission. He affirmed that the preceding stages have been transparent, free from any bias or political affiliation.
He described the exercise as serious endeavor that must be taken to its most logical conclusion having been given all necessary support by the Governor.
He provided a breakdown, revealing that the commission received over two thousand applications, and less than four hundred individuals were successfully shortlisted.
In their individual statements, one candidate from Biase Local Government Area, Mr. Ukam Okon Ukam, expressed appreciation for the physical screening, including the oral interview. He welcomed this development as it provided candidates with the chance to articulate and defend their academic qualifications while showcasing their intellectual capabilities.
Miss Rita Obo commended the State Governor for his intentional efforts to uplift people from unemployment and ensure they have sustenance on their tables.
Ugobi Bassey, another candidate from Yakurr Local Government Area, praised the overall process and commended the Governor, Commission’s Chairman, and other members of the screening panel for ensuring that the screening was conducted smoothly, with a commitment to being free, fair, and transparent, without encountering any challenges.
Meanwhile, the residents of Cross River State continue to praise Governor Bassey Otu, Forestry Commission Boss George O’ben-Etchi, and the other members of the screening team for ensuring transparency and credibility in the recruitment process for forest rangers.
The recruitment interview commenced on Thursday, February 22nd, concurrently at the designated centers in Calabar and Ikom, concluding on Friday, February 23rd, 2024.
