Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has pledged to support efforts aimed at sensitizing Abia youths on opportunities available in the Nigerian Army recruitment exercise.
Governor Otti made the promise at Government House, Umuahia, while receiving a delegation from the 2025 Nigerian Army Recruitment Awareness Team, led by Brigadier General Chima Ekeator from the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, assured the team that the State Government would put in place the necessary structures to ensure that eligible youths are adequately informed and encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity.
“We will help to make sure that Abians, especially the youths will embrace this opportunity.
“We are going to set up the necessary structures to make sure that those that fall within the age bracket that is being targeted to see the need to be part of the general progress, of the general vision of the Nigerian Army in order to make sure that there is adequate security in this nation”, the Governor said.
He assured that the State would make the sensitization campaign a regular activity, noting that Abia is committed to the general progress and vision of the Nigerian Army.
Governor Otti commended the Nigerian Army for it’s efforts professionalism and commitment to integrating the Southeast into the institution.
“I want to deeply appreciate you. We are quite impressed by the professionalism that the Nigerian Army has continued to display.
“Coming around at a time like this to make sure that the Southeast is fully integrated into the Nigerian Army is the way to go”, he stated.
Governor Otti highlighted the importance of security to economic development of a nation and stressed that no meaningful economic growth can occur without a secure environment.
“No matter what you invest, no matter the level of infrastructure that you provide, if there is no conducive environment which is a by-product of very sound security, even the people would be scared to even come close and will not appreciate the level of infrastructure in this place”, he said.
The Governor further expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for its continued sacrifice and dedication to national unity, stressing that all stakeholders have a role to play in ensuring the success of the recruitment sensitization effort.
Earlier in his remarks, Brigadier General Chima Ekeator said the team was in Abia to sensitize youths from the Southeast on the importance of taking advantage of the recruitment slots allocated to the region.
He noted that the Nigerian Army had observed low turnout from Southeastern states in previous exercises, adding that Abia State was allocated nearly 200 slots last year, but only 53 were filled.
Brigadier General Ekeator who noted that the trend is the same across other states in the Southeast, vowed that the Army leadership is determined to change the narrative.
He appreciated the support of the Abia State Government and disclosed that the team had engaged traditional rulers and Mayors through town hall meetings to ensure the recruitment message gets to the grassroots.
Present at the event were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Projects, Dr. Chukwuemeka Meribole; Commander, 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brigadier General H.M. Bello; and Lieutenant Colonel R.O. Alieze.
