LAGOS- The Lagos State Government, on Thursday, called on parents to support the recruitment of youths in the military.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, made the call during the sensitisation programme for the Nigerian Army’s 89 Regular Recruits Intake (RRI) for the Trades/Non-Tradesmen and Women.
The sensitisation was held at Ikorodu Local Government Area (LGA) and at Surulere Local Government Area Secretariat.
Salu-Hundeyin, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mr Kehinde Gbajumo, said parents should encourage their children to take us career in the military.
She said contrary to some parents’ notion, the ministry was not a place for persons to go and die.
According to her, parents should encourage their children, while the indigene youths, between the ages of 18 and 26 years should take advantage of the remaining nine days, to ensure that they register for the military intake.
“We have heard all the benefits contained therein. Apart from being gainfully employed, they are also serving their nation, and it is a pride to serve ones nation.
“They have the opportunity to become what they like in the Nigerian Army, whatever profession that they deem fit, that is of interest to them, the military formation gives them that opportunity.
“They provide good education for them, free of charge, they still collect their salary. The condition of service in the military is daily improving, so it is a very good opportunity for parents to allow their wards to join the army.
“We should all support government, we all know the security situation in the country, there is constant need to replenish, to keep, have more people inside the military, it is ever growing, so the opportunities are there,” she said.
Allaying the fear of parents and prospective indigene applicants, the SSG said the military was not just for war situation, or a place for people to go die.
“I can tell you that how many people in the military are in war situation, it is a very small percentage. We don’t pray for war in this country, but we also need to defend ourselves.
“Most of the time in this country, we have had peace time, not war time, and we continue to pray for that. There is no profession that does not have its hazard, whether in the public service, even journalist too has professional hazard,
“So, we all pray that people don’t just die, while providing services to people. But that is not enough, people in their home die while they are at home.
“So, that is not enough to say my child should not join the military, military is not for people to go and die, it is for people to go and work like any other person, and majority of them don’t die while in the military,” she said.
Salu-Hundeyin said the registration of indigenes had been encouraging, as it had doubled since it began on March 31.
Speaking, the Chairman, Ikorodu LGA, Mr Wasiu Adesina, urged indigenes youths of Ikorodu to enrol in the military and also build on its opportunities.
Adesina also promised to take care of expenses of any individual who declare his or her interest, hence, directed the Secretary to the Local Government, to anchor the process and forward names of intended candidates to his office.
Also speaking, the Iyaloja General of Ikorodu, Princess Busola Isikalu, promised to sensitise market men and women on the benefits and plans to build career in the military.
Also, the Chairman, Surulere LGA, Mr Bamidele Yusuf, urged indigenous youths of Surulere to enrol in the military, as it is a noble profession. (NAN)
