Akwa Ibom Gov’t partners Nigerian Army to boost Youth recruitment for National security

The Akwa Ibom State government has expressed its commitment to partnering with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in maintaining peace and ensuring the country’s national security and territorial integrity.

Governor Umo Eno made the announcement in Uyo, the state capital, during a one-day recruitment sensitization program organized by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government.

Represented by Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, Chairman of Uyo Local Government and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state, Governor Eno commended the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for initiating the sensitization effort. He acknowledged the importance of engaging youth leaders in the state to spread the message about the recruitment process, especially to encourage eligible indigenes to join the Nigerian Army. This initiative, he noted, aligns with the state government’s efforts to reduce youth unemployment, supporting the ARISE Agenda of his administration.

Governor Eno also expressed concerns about the noticeable decline in the number of Akwa Ibom youths enlisted in the Army after each recruitment exercise. He assured that the state government, alongside relevant ministries and agencies, would work closely with the Nigerian Army to extend the recruitment sensitization efforts into the state’s rural communities.

Brig. Gen. Wilto Nzidee, representing the Chief of Army Staff, led the team from the Army Headquarters in Abuja. He emphasized the importance of recruiting Akwa Ibom youths into the Army and encouraged them to take advantage of the ongoing recruitment for the 89th Regular Recruits Intake for Trades/Non-Tradesmen and Women, which is free.

Brig. Gen. Alexander Tawasimi, Commander of the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Akwa Ibom, highlighted that the campaign’s goal was to encourage youth leaders and stakeholders to support the recruitment efforts. He also urged youths to avoid societal vices that could disqualify them from being enlisted in the Military.

Other prominent figures, including Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong, the Governor’s Honorary Special Adviser, Dr. John Orok, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways, and Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, Vice-Chairman of ALGON, pledged their support for the recruitment drive. They thanked the Nigerian Army for its collaboration and committed to spreading the message across all areas of the state.

The sensitization session also provided an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and receive clarity on the recruitment process, ensuring that the message reached a wide audience.

Youth leaders from all 31 local government areas in the state, as well as other stakeholders, were present at the event.