…Solicits gov’s assistance
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Nigerian Army has urged youths from the South-East to stop shunning military recruitments but help fill the zone’s quota in suchs exercises.
It, therefore, solicited the help of stakeholders from the zone including South-East Governors, to help prevail on the youths to seek career in the military.
Leader of the 2025 Nigerian Army Recruitment Awareness Team, Brigadier General Chima Ekeator, who visited Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State in Umuahia, sought the cooperation of the necessary stakeholders from the zone to end the practice.
He said that the team came to sensitize youths from the South-East on the need to take up the slots given to the zone during Army recruitment.
Gen. Ekeator said that the leadership of the Nigerian Army had observed with concern, the aparthy of South-East youths towards recruitment in the Army.
He regretted that the region is losing out during recruitment exercises, citing the case of last year where Abia was given almost 200 slots but only 53 slots were taken up.
He noted that it is the same story in other South-Eastern states, but added that the Nigerian Army is working so hard to change the narrative.
Gen. Ekeator who lauded Governor Otti for his assistance so far, said the team had held town hall meetings with traditional rulers and Mayors to ensure the message reached the target audience.
Receiving the team, Gov. Otti promised to assist in sensitizing Abia youths for recruitment into the Nigerian Army.
The Governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Calab Ajagba, said that Government would set up the necessary structures to make sure that those that fall within the age bracket that is being recruited are sensitized.
He said: “We will help to make sure that Abians, especially the youths will embrace this opportunity
“We are going to set up the necessary structures to make sure that those that fall within the age bracket that is being targeted will also see the need to be part of the general progress.
“We will also pass the information to youths who are within the catchment group, being targeted for this exercise
“One thing we can assure you is that, going forward, this sensitization is going to become more regular,” Gov. Otti stated.
Otti commended the Nigerian Army for showing concern over South-East integration in the Nigerian Army.
“I want to deeply appreciate you. We are quite impressed by the professionalism that the Nigerian Army has continued to display.
“Coming around at a time like this to make sure that the South-East is fully integrated into the Nigerian Army is the way to go,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor noted the importance of security to economic development of a nation.
“No matter what you invest, no matter the level of infrastructure that you provide, if there is no conducive environment which is a by-product of very sound security, even the people would be scared to even come close and will not appreciate the level of infrastructure in this place,”
He equally appreciated the Nigerian Army for its sacrifice and commitment to making sure that every part of the country is carried along and maintained that everybody has a role to play to make sure that the goal of sensitizing Abia youths in enlisting into the Nigerian Army is actualized.
Commander 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Brigadier General H.M Bello; and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects, Dr Chukwuemeka Meribole and Lt. Col. R.O Alieze were present during the visit.
