- Lagos Targets 250 Indigenes for Nigerian Army Recruitment
- Salu-Hundeyin urges local council chairmen to mobilise residents to participate in the recruitment exercise
- The SSG revealed that the government is encouraging indigenes to apply to the NDA
The Lagos State Government has set a target to enlist 250 indigenes in the ongoing 90 Regular Recruits Intake (RRI) of the Nigerian Army.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, disclosed this in Ikeja, urging local council chairmen to mobilise residents to participate in the recruitment exercise, which she described as a noble and honourable service to the nation.
“The local council chairmen are the number one citizens in their councils and should be able to identify indigenes, advocate, and sensitise the people,” she said. “They should help our young people understand the importance of joining the military. In the past, Lagos has been shortchanged, not only by the Federal Government but also by Lagosians themselves, because they haven’t viewed the military as a viable career path.”
Describing the armed forces as a glorious profession, Salu-Hundeyin appealed to parents to encourage their children to consider a career in the military. She attributed the low enlistment of Lagos indigenes to social preferences, noting that many families prioritise professions such as law over the military.
“We love enjoyment in Lagos State. People are happy when their child studies law, but not when they join the military. Meanwhile, in the North, they understand that there can be no power without adequate security,” she said.
On the recruitment target, she explained: “We are aiming for 250 Lagosians. If we fail to meet our quota, other states will take it up. Our children are good enough for the job.”
The SSG also revealed that the government is encouraging indigenes to apply to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
She further urged parents to change their perception of military service, saying: “We don’t want our children in the military, yet we want protection — that’s impossible. We must have our own people serving. The Nigerian Navy has also requested 50 Lagos indigenes, and the councils will provide theirs as well.”
