The Akwa Ibom State Government has pledged support for the Nigerian Army’s 92nd Regular Recruitment Exercise, urging qualified youths to enlist and strengthen the state’s representation in the nation’s armed forces.
Governor Umo Eno gave the assurance during the Nigerian Army’s sensitisation campaign for the recruitment of tradesmen and non-tradesmen in Uyo, the state capital, where he enjoined eligible indigenes to seize the opportunity to serve Nigeria.
Represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, retired General Koko Essien, the governor described military service as a privilege that offers qualified citizens an opportunity to contribute to nation-building and national security.
While calling on community leaders to encourage eligible applicants of good character to participate in the exercise, Eno urged Akwa Ibom youths to follow in the footsteps of the state’s founding fathers who served in the military.
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He stressed the need for proper screening of prospective recruits to ensure that the state meets its allocated quota without compromising the required standards.
The Commander, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and Sector 4 Joint Task Force, South-South Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier-General Nnabueze Emmanuel Okoloagu, commended the governor for his administration’s sustained support and partnership with the military.
Okoloagu urged residents to respond positively to the recruitment drive, noting that greater participation by Akwa Ibom indigenes would strengthen the state’s representation in the armed forces and expand its contribution to national security.
The state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, said the peace and security enjoyed in Akwa Ibom underscored the importance of encouraging more indigenes to join the Army.
In his sensitisation lecture, the team leader, General Ben Ukpafe Ugbuji, commended the organisers for the warm reception and orderly mobilisation of participants.
Broader Representation
He highlighted the Nigerian Army’s role in protecting the nation’s territorial integrity, expressing concern over declining enlistment and stressing the need for states to meet their recruitment quotas to ensure broader representation.
Ugbuji said the campaign reflected President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that no part of the country was disadvantaged in military recruitment.
He also outlined the requirements for the 92nd Regular Intake for tradesmen and non-tradesmen and encouraged eligible applicants to participate.
The Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, Aniefiok Nkom, and the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem, also expressed support for the campaign and reaffirmed the state’s readiness to mobilise qualified indigenes.
A highlight of the programme was a pep talk by indigenous Army personnel, including Ini Ekpenyong, Ndifreke Udoka and Caroline Akpan who highlighted how military service had improved their socio-economic circumstances and encouraged other eligible youths to consider a career in the Army.
