The Rivers State Government has expressed its determination to improve the low turnout of youths from the state in the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment exercise.
Speaking in Port Harcourt while receiving the 89 Regular Recruits Sensitisation team, Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Worika, said the poor registration numbers from Rivers youths are a disservice to the nation.
“It pains me that the youths don’t seem to take advantage that is offered by the Nigerian military to be part of the establishment. It is painful indeed and I will speak with Permanent Secretary, Director of Press to scale up the sensitisation much more than it has ever been,” Worika stated.
He assured that the state government is ready to work with key stakeholders to bridge existing gaps in awareness and motivate more young people to join the Army.
“Currently, we have written to local government authorities and we are talking to traditional authorities. We want to do more and we want to see if there are any gaps in the areas of sensitisation that has resulted in this level of abysmal performance from the state in the recruitment exercise,” he added.
In his remarks, Brigadier General Wiito Nzidee, Director of the Supply and Transport Unit at the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja, said the sensitisation drive is aimed at addressing regional disparities in Army recruitment.
“The state cannot do it all, Not everyone can work in government house as governor or a senator. Here is a free opportunity for people to be gainfully employed but either they are not aware or we are not helping them understand,” Nzidee said.
He disclosed that the campaign only targets states that are currently underperforming in the exercise.
While other states have recorded 900, 1,500, and even 2,000 applicants, Rivers State, as of now, has only 221 registered candidates.
Nzidee emphasized that states with higher participation will gain more advantage in terms of filling up available quotas, possibly at the expense of states that fall short.
The Army recruitment, which began on March 31 and will end on May 17, 2025, is open to Nigerian youths aged 18 to 22 for non-trades roles, and up to 26 years for tradesmen who possess relevant skills.
