The Edo State Government has called on local council chairmen to step up efforts in raising awareness about recruitment into the Nigerian Army.
This appeal was made by the Secretary to the State Government, Osariodion Ogie Esq., who was representing the Edo State Governor during a courtesy visit by a delegation of high-ranking army officers from the Army Headquarters. The visit was part of the Sensitization and Advertisement Tour for Nigerian Army Regular Recruitment intake 87, held at the Government House in Benin City.
“When I received a call that Brigadier General Wiito Lucky Nzidu was leading the team to meet us over the sensitization on the recruitment of officers, I thought this must be a serious one,” said Osariodion Ogie Esq.
He further expressed that the Nigerian Army is one of the most respected national institutions and that it has been a matter of significant concern when other security forces, such as the Navy, Air Force, and Police, request the state’s assistance in encouraging citizens to seize the opportunity to be assessed for their suitability to serve.
As they were conversing, Ogie continued, “I began to wonder how we could approach some of these issues differently in order to encourage more of our boys and girls to participate in the recruitment process. One idea that immediately came to me was to extend an invitation to all council chairmen by Friday, emphasizing the significance of spreading the word to our people.”
He proposed that council chairmen should reach out to traditional institutions to ensure that the recruitment message reaches the grassroots. In response to the request for a State Liaison Officer, he announced the appointment of the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, to fill the role. He also pledged to make radio and television announcements to inform the public about the importance of filling the state’s quota in army recruitment.
Ogie concluded, “We appreciate this visit. We are going to assist you as you are assisting us, to get our people to step forward and take advantage of this opportunity.”
He also took the opportunity to express gratitude to the military for maintaining safety in Edo and across the country.
Brigadier General Wiito Lucky Nzidu, the leader of the visiting team, explained the purpose of their tour, saying, “We are here because our Chief of Army Staff sent us here, and other senior officers are conducting the same sensitization and awareness campaign in other geopolitical zones across the nation to make sure some of these selected states understand why and to what extent they must fill their quota with their energetic sons and daughters into the Nigerian Army.”
He emphasized that Edo State has not been utilizing its quota in the Nigerian Army and stressed the need for the state’s citizens to contribute to national security.
He warned against future complaints of marginalization in the Army if the state does not fill its quota, stating, “Every state is given a quota during Army recruitment; if you are not filling your quota, I believe there is a problem. I do not want us to start complaining in the near future that we are treated unfairly in the Army when the real issue is with us.”
