Akwa Ibom govt pledges support for Nigerian Army, security gencies

The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace, safeguard national security, and protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Governor Umo Eno made this pledge during a one-day recruitment sensitization program held in Uyo, the state capital.

The event was organized by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government and was aimed at engaging youth leaders across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the governor, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government and State ALGON Chairman, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for initiating the sensitization program.

He described the event as a timely intervention that would help educate and motivate young people to consider careers in the military and contribute positively to national development.

He noted that the decision to engage youths leaders in the State to help in sensitizing other young people on the need for eligible indigenes to join the Nigerian Army, further compliments the State government’s effort in reducing youth unemployment which aligns with the ARISE Agenda of his administration.

While commending efforts by the Nigerian Army in preserving and protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Pastor Eno expressed concern at the noticable decline in the number of Akwa Ibom youths enlisted in the Nigerian Army at the end of each recruitment exercise.

He assured that the relevant government Ministries, department and agencies, as well as relevant stakeholders will work closely with the Nigerian Army in driving the sensitization message down to the rural communities in the State.

Speaking earlier, a representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Brig. Gen. Wilto Nzidee who led the team from the Army Headquarters in Abuja said they were in the State to sensitize and persuade Akwa Ibom youths on the need to enrol in the Nigerian Army.

He further enjoined youths of the State to take advantage of the ongoing recruitment into the 89’’ Regular Recruits Intake for Trades/Non-Tradesmen and Women which is free.

On his part, the Commander 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Akwa Ibom, Brig. Gen Alexander Tawasimi said the awareness campaign was targeted at encouraging the youth leaders and other stakeholders present at the event to encourage youths enrollment in the Nigerian Army; urging the youths to shun societal ills capable of disqualifying them from being enlisted in the Military.

In their goodwill message, the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ekpenyong, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Security and Water Ways, Dr. John Orok, Vice -Chairman of ALGON, Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, Coordinator/Commander Ibom Security Watch, Isantim Kenneth Okon and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Affairs, Mr. Iniobong Akpan, appreciated the Nigerian Army for their collaborative efforts in ensuring that Akwa Ibom fills her quota in the recruitment exercise into the Military, and pledged their commitment in ensuring that the message gets across to the nook and cranies of the State.

The sensitization exercise afforded those in attendance an opportunity to ask questions and get clarity from the Nigerian Army delegation on issues bordering on recruitment process into the Army.

In attendance at the event were Chairmen of Councils, Aides of the Governor and Youth Leaders drawn from the 31 Local Government Areas in the State.