The Enugu State Government on Friday enjoined youths in the state to enlist into the Nigerian Army to meet the state’s quota in line with the Federal Character.
This is contained in a statement in Enugu, by Mr Steve Oruruo, Special Adviser on Information to the Governor.
Oruruo, said that the government is concerned over the lack of interest shown by youths of the state in enlisting into the Nigerian Army.
According to him, a team from the Army Headquarters is scheduled to visit the government and all stakeholders in the state from November 5, to deliberate on the situation.
“The visit became necessary following the opening of the online application portal for Nigerian Army (NA) Recruitment Exercise for the 84 Regular Recruits intake which commenced on Oct. 10. and it is to confer and interact with the political leadership and various stakeholders of our state.
“This is regarding the observed apathy of the young men and women of our state with regard to the previously conducted recruitment exercises.
“Unfortunately, this has become an appalling and recurring issue adversely affecting Enugu state’s representation in the Nigerian Army, according to data emanating from the Federal Character Commission.”
He disclosed that during the recruitment exercise for the 82 and 83 Regular intakes, the state contingents were only 73 and 49 people respectively, as against the 150 slots reserved for the state on each occasion based on the quota system.
“The consequence of today’s inaction is that in time, our dear state would obviously be unevenly represented when other personnel recruited would have progressed in service.
“Uninformed observers could erroneously misinterpret this scenario in future as marginalisation and imbalance in the federal character,” he said.
He also disclosed that the visiting team is billed to meet with the Enugu state government, the leadership of various youth organisations, socio-economic and political stakeholders, traditional rulers, town union presidents and the clergy.
“The meetings are designed to forge a way forward to educate and enlighten the teeming youths of the state on the merits and prospects of serving the Nation through the Nigerian Army.
“It is in this light that the State Government hereby enjoins the good people of the State, especially our vibrant and teeming youths, to seize this golden opportunity to be recruited into the Nigerian Army.
“All interested persons are encouraged to speedily proceed to the Nigerian Army Recruitment Portal to submit their applications,” he said.