The Nigerian Army has emphasized that greater participation from youths in the South-East would promote inclusiveness, national unity, and equal representation within the nation’s armed forces.
Speaking during a maiden edition of sensitizing campaign on career opportunities in the Nigerian Army on the theme:”Guardian of the Nation:A clarion call” at the Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia Abia state
The chief of civil military relations in the Nigeria Army Maj Gen Musa Awal Ndagi encouraged south east youth known for their creativity,doggedness and resilience to join the Nigerian Army due to its numerous benefits.
Maj Gen Ndagi described the military as a noble profession capable of transforming lives and offering individuals a better future.
He decried the low rate of interest of southeast youths in the military and therefore urged them to stop the apathy and see the military as a call to service that there’s no greater service than laying ones live in defense of your country.
“The Nigerian Army offers a path to growth and personal development. We have engineers, doctors, lawyers, and ICT experts. You also have the opportunity to tour states across Nigeria during the course of your service and also travel abroad for training. That is what the Nigerian Army offers,” he stated.
Governor Alex Otti in a visibly happy mood during his speech encouraged southeast youths to join the military in order to defend the country when the need arises.
He also urged visitors to take note of the various developmental strides across the state.
The guest speaker, Maj Gen Gold Chibisi Rtd, recounted joining the Nigerian Army as a young boy despite discouragement from his villagers over the hardships of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).But Through resilience and determination rose to the rank of Major General, visited 21 countries, and served in multiple capacities during his career.
He recounted his harrowing experiences in Sierra Leone during a peacekeeping mission and an ambush he survived in Borno State, urging South-East youths interested in joining the military to remain courageous despite the challenges.
The Abia-born General urged South-East youths not to be swayed by media reports portraying the military negatively, assuring them that with determination and hard work, they too can rise to the highest ranks of the Nigerian Army.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba, and his counterpart from Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Maureen Ijeoma Aghukwa, echoed the same sentiment, encouraging South-East youths to overcome their apathy toward joining the Nigerian military and to ensure that the quota allocated to the South-East is never wasted.
The future of our nation depends on disciplined and visionary young leaders who are ready to stand as guardians of
peace and progress. Military service is not merely a job; it is a noble calling that shapes character,
builds resilience, and instills lifelong values.
Brigadier General Ahmad M. Dikko, commander of the 14 Brigade, Ohafia, during his remarks clarified the quota allocations for states of the federation.
According to him” every state is given equal quota during Army recruitment but unfortunately the south east has always failed to fill theirs due to their long held hatred towards joining the army.
“He therefore encouraged them to view this sensitization program as an opportunity to overcome their long-held apathy toward the military and to enroll in large numbers during subsequent recruitment exercises in order to promote equal representation and national unity.”
The event brought together traditional rulers, sister security agencies, civil society organizations, media influencers, state executive council members, and other dignitaries, all of whom were encouraged to sensitize South-East youths to prioritize joining the Nigerian Army.
