The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged youths in the state to embrace the Nigerian Army as a platform for leadership development, discipline, and national service.
He made the call during the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) sensitisation programme for the 91 Regular Recruits Intake held on Monday in Uyo. The governor was represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien.
Governor Eno commended the Nigerian Army for its recruitment sensitisation efforts and praised local government chairmen for mobilising applicants across the state.
He stressed that military service is not a corrective institution but a platform for disciplined individuals ready to serve the nation.
“The military is a place to build leadership; it will not rebuild you,” Governor Eno stated, urging local government chairmen to ensure proper screening of applicants.
The sensitisation exercise was led by Brigadier General Moses Ikobah, who is coordinating the recruitment drive across the South-South region. He noted that the campaign has already moved through Benin, Delta, Bayelsa, and now Akwa Ibom State.
General Ikobah disclosed that the Nigerian Army plans to recruit about 14,000 personnel nationwide under the 91 Regular Recruit Intake across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He revealed that Akwa Ibom currently leads the South-South region with 805 applications out of 48,988 nationwide but urged more participation, setting a target of over 1,000 applicants from the state.
“It is vital that Akwa Ibom is represented adequately and competitively to strengthen the state’s presence at the national level,” he said.
He further described enlistment into the Nigerian Army as more than employment, but a structured life of service, discipline, and national responsibility.
The Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area and Chairman of ALGON in the state, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, also described the recruitment exercise as a strategic opportunity for youth empowerment and career development, urging young people to take advantage of the programme.
