Edet Ikotidem
The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government and relevant agencies in ways that will elevate the state’s national profile and promote the socio-economic development of its citizens.
Akwa Ibom Government Partners Nigerian Army
This commitment was reiterated by the state governor, Pastor Umo Eno, during a one-day sensitization programme jointly organized by the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Nigerian Army.
The event, which took place at Flairmore Event Centre, Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo, brought together youth leaders and key stakeholders from the 31 local government areas of the state. It was part of efforts to raise awareness about the ongoing 89th Regular Recruitment exercise into the Nigerian Army.
Governor Eno, who was represented by the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area and State ALGON Chairman, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, emphasized the importance of the sensitization exercise. He noted that with the recruitment process starting on March 31, 2025, the campaign was timely in ensuring that Akwa Ibom youths were well-informed and fully participated to secure the state’s quota in the national exercise.
He stated that the initiative aligns with the youth development objectives outlined in his administration’s ARISE Agenda, which seeks to empower young people and position them for success across various sectors, including the Nigerian Army.
Governor Eno expressed optimism that such strategic collaborations would open up more avenues for Akwa Ibom youth to rise through the ranks and make meaningful contributions to national development.
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Governor Eno commended the 31 local government council chairmen who were physically present with their youth supervisors and tasked them to spread the message back in their various local government areas to ensure that more youth from Akwa Ibom took part in the registration for possible recruitment into the Nigerian Army.
He expressed optimism that with the participation of youth across the 31 LGAs, the state’s enrollment in the ongoing 89th Regular Recruitment Exercise into the Nigerian Army will improve remarkably before the close of the portal on May 31.
Addressing participants, the Chief of Army Staff and key resource person at the sensitization exercise, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede said regrettably, the Niger Delta states, including Akwa Ibom are not doing well in terms of participation and representation in the Nigerian Army, noting that since the opening of registration portal nine days ago on 31st March, some states have recorded at least 3,000 registrations so far while Akwa Ibom only has about 500 regulations so far.
Represented by the Acting Director of Supply and Transport Services in the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Wilto Nzidee, the Army Chief said the low number of enrollment so far in Akwa Ibom calls for concern both by the state government and the Nigerian Army, hence the partnership to organize the sensitization to create awareness and encourage more youths to enroll for the Nigerian Army Recruitment to cover the state’s slots.
The Chief of Army Staff listed contribution to national security for all round development, sponsored trainings in various fields, by the Nigerian Army, all round training and personal development packages, as some of the benefits of joining the Nigerian Army, in addition to the respect and prestige and encouraged youths to take advantage of the opportunity and enroll.
According to the Army Chief, it would be unfair to later slam the Nigerian Army or government with allegations of marginalization of any sort if at the close of the recruitment Portal on 31st May, Akwa Ibom youths failed to take advantage of the opportunity.
In his contribution, the Commander Two Brigade, Brigadier General Alexander Tawasimi, thanked Governor Umo Eno for the constant collaboration, saying the partnership between Akwa Ibom State Government and the Nigerian Army further demonstrated governor Umo Eno’s commitment to maintain peace, strengthen security architecture and provide the best opportunities for youth of the state.
