In a renewed push to boost military enlistment, the Rivers State Government has urged youths across the state to take advantage of the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment exercise.
The state government assured full support to the visiting recruitment team from Army Headquarters and pledging to address the state’s historically low participation rate.
The call was made on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Army’s recruitment team, led by Brigadier General Wito Nzidee, to his office in Port Harcourt.
Prof. Worika emphasized that the State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), being a former military officer, is passionate about national service and is committed to encouraging young people to embrace a career in the armed forces.
“I have always admired the military, and it pains me that our youths do not seem to be taking the advantage that is being offered by the Nigerian military,” he said. “We will scale up the sensitization to ensure the people are aware. We have written to the Heads of Local Government Areas. We will review to note the gaps in the processes of sensitization that has resulted in this abysmal performance.”
Worika added that the state will intensify efforts to close the gaps in enlistment procedures and ensure that more youths benefit from the opportunities in the military, which include career development, discipline, and service to the nation.
Brig. Gen. Nzidee, who led the Army delegation, said the visit was part of a nationwide sensitization effort aimed at increasing awareness of the Nigerian Army’s 89th Regular Recruitment Intake for Trades/Non-Tradesmen and Women.
He expressed concern over Rivers State’s low turnout in the ongoing recruitment, noting that states unable to fill their allotted quotas may lose those slots to other states with higher participation.
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“In Rivers State, we have officers from other states contributing and helping us develop by ensuring that there is peace,” he said. “By not meeting up our target, it means a time will come we will not see Rivers officers as men to secure or keep peace.”
Nzidee urged interested candidates to seize the opportunity, stressing that there is no regret in joining the military as long as one remains disciplined, loyal to authority, and committed to personal and national development.
“The Army has a clear plan to develop its officers and make them the best. Joining the military offers a life path filled with structure, growth, and purpose,” he added.
He also reminded applicants that the online recruitment portal — https://recruitment.army.mil.ng — is open and registration is free. The deadline for applications is May 17, 2025.
