The Rivers State Government has expressed commitment to leveraging its partnership with the Nigerian Army regarding the recruitment of indigenes into the military.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, made this assertion while receiving the Nigeria Army Director of Manpower Planning, Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. J. M. Jallo in his office in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
The SSG, who appreciated the sacrifices and determination of soldiers in the sustenance of Nigeria, called for support and cooperation in the recruitment exercise, especially in marginalised states such as Rivers.
He reassured the Army that Rivers State Government would continue to support the military to enlighten able-bodied youths who were mentally and physically fit to be enlisted into the Army.
“Generally, we regret that our people do not benefit appropriately from the recruitment exercises as they ought to. We cannot be here, and maybe because of ignorance, our people are unable to utilize these opportunities properly. We have able-bodied and willing youths who will do well in the Army. We will ensure our people know what it takes to succeed at this stage of recruitment.
“We must carry out proper enlightenment to ensure the people know what to do to succeed through the recruitment process.
“Please, do not hesitate to always let us know of these opportunities. We will do everything we can to ensure our people are recruited into the Army. If the young ones don’t join now, we will not have senior officers in the future. We are looking for the opportunity,” the SSG said.
Speaking, the Director of Manpower Planning, Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. J. M. Jallo called for the support of the state government and people in sensitising the public regarding the ongoing 84 Regular Recruit Intake that would end on December 2, 2022.
He said the enlightenment campaign tour became necessary to keep Nigerians abreast of the Army’s approach to the recruitment exercise.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Farouk Yahaya, directed that we go round some of the states we noticed low turnout of their citizens into the Army. Rivers State falls into that category, including Bayelsa and Delta in the South-South.”
He noted that the recruitment was free of all charges, adding that no one was expected to pay any amount for the training after the recruitment.
“We assure you that the indigenes of this state have equal opportunities like persons from other states to join the Nigerian Army, a progressive and professional career path,” he said.
He further encouraged recruits to fill out forms appropriately to prevent rejection.