ASABA/Nigeria: The Nigerian Army has made a fervent appeal to the Delta State Government for support and collaboration in the recruitment of its citizens into the military.
Brig. Gen. T. G. Mackintosh, who led a delegation to the state, emphasized the need for this cooperation during a sensitization visit to Dr. Kingsley Emu, the Secretary to the Delta State Government in Asaba.
The initiative was initiated at the behest of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Taoreed Lagbaja, who expressed concerns about the failure of Delta and Rivers states to meet 60 percent of their recruitment quotas over the past two exercises.
Brig. Gen. Mackintosh stated, “We are here to sensitize our brothers and sisters to join the military, starting with the 86th Regular Recruitment. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. T. A. Lagbaja, while examining the past recruitment exercises of the last two years, observed that two states in the South-South, Rivers and Delta, couldn’t meet 60 percent of their quotas. So, we are here on his directive to encourage our brothers and sisters to join the military. The military is open to everyone that lives in Nigeria and that is why it is called the Nigerian Army.”
He emphasized the importance of this recruitment, highlighting the potential consequences of underrepresentation in the army’s leadership: “If we don’t join now, in the future, we will not see our people at the top echelon of the army, and by then, we will be shouting that we are being marginalized.”
Furthermore, he clarified the recruitment criteria, noting that candidates should be Nigerians from Delta State, mentally and physically fit, and aged between 18 and 26. The Army has extended the age limits to 30 years for midwives and nurses. A minimum of four credits and specified height requirements are also part of the eligibility criteria. The recruitment deadline, originally set for October 20, has been extended to October 27.
Additionally, tradesmen such as carpenters, drivers, and mechanics must provide their trade certificates to be considered for recruitment.
In response to this appeal, Dr. Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the Delta State Government, expressed appreciation for the Army’s recruitment sensitization efforts. He affirmed the commitment of the government to promote the initiative and announced that circulars would be sent to local government councils to further publicize the opportunity.
Emu emphasized the importance of discipline and training within the military and encouraged the able and agile youths of Delta State to heed the call to join the Nigerian Army, emphasizing the potential benefits for those seeking employment opportunities and professional development.
