Nigerian Army has oganised a recruitment sensitisation programme in Akwa Ibom State with the state government pledging its readiness to partner with Army and other security agencies in the task of maintaining peace and ensuring national security and territorial integrity.
Governor Umo Eno made the pledge yesterday in Uyo during a sensitisation programme organised for youth leaders in the state in collaboration with the state government.
Represented by the chairman of Uyo local government, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, who also doubles as the chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, the governor commended the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for the recruitment sensitisation lecture.
He noted that the decision to engage the youth leaders to help sensitise other young people on the need for eligible indigenes to join the Nigerian Army further complimented the state government’s effort in reducing youth unemployment which aligns with the ARISE Agenda of his administration.
While commending efforts by the Nigerian Army in preserving and protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Pastor Eno expressed concern at the noticeable decline in the number of Akwa Ibom youths enlisted in the Nigerian Army.
He assured that the relevant government ministries, department and agencies as well as relevant stakeholders would work closely with the Army to drive the sensitisation message to rural communities in the state.
Responding, a representative of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Brig. Gen. Wilto Nzidee, who led the team from the Army Headquarters in Abuja, said they were in the state to sensitise and persuade Akwa Ibom youths on the need to enroll in the Nigerian Army.
He enjoined youths in the state to take advantage of the ongoing recruitment into the 89’’ Regular Recruits Intake for Trades/Non-Tradesmen and Women which is free.
Commander of 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Akwa Ibom, Brig. Gen Alexander Tawasimi said the awareness campaign was targeted at encouraging the youth leaders and other stakeholders present at the event to encourage youths enrollment in the Nigerian Army; urging the youths to shun societal ills capable of disqualifying them from being enlisted in the military.
