15/04/2026
Governor Eno Charges Akwa Ibom Youths to Grab Nigerian Army Recruitment Opportunities
By Utibe Udokang
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has called on Akwa Ibom youths to embrace the Nigerian Army as a premier platform for leadership and national service, highlighting the professional growth and advantages inherent in military life.
Speaking during the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) sensitization program for the 91 Regular Recruits Intake, the Governor noted a significant surge in interest, with current applications already dwarfing the less than 500 figures recorded two years ago.
Represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Waterways, General Koko Essien, the Governor commended the Nigerian Army for the initiative and thanked Council Chairmen across the state for their massive mobilization efforts.
He emphasized that the military is a place for the fit and disciplined to excel, rather than a reformatory for the wayward.
"The military is a place to build leadership, it will not rebuild you,” the Governor remarked, urging local government Chairmen to screen their candidates and ensure they do not miss their allotted slots for proper representation.
The sensitization exercise also featured a high-powered delegation led by Brigadier General Moses Ikobah, who is spearheading the Recruitment sensitisation campaign across the South-South region.
Highlighting the Army's Staff’s commitment to a balanced equitable representation, General Ikobah noted that the journey, which began in Benin City and traversed Delta and Bayelsa, has now arrived in Uyo to ensure Akwa Ibom youths are not left behind in this national call to duty.
General Ikobah revealed that for the 91 Regular Recruit Intake, the Nigerian Army intends to recruit a total of 14,000 personnel across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
While Akwa Ibom State currently leads the South-South with 805 applications out of a nationwide pool of 48,988, the General characterized this figure as ‘modest’, expressing a strong ambition to see that number rise to at least 1,002 following this intensified sensitization drive.
"It is vital that Akwa Ibom is represented adequately and competitively to strengthen the state’s presence at the national level," Brigadier General Ikobah noted.
Beyond the call of patriotism, General Ikobah painted a picture of the Nigerian Army as a complete life-support system for the state’s young men and women.
He observed that the enlisting is more than a job, but a transition into a family where the nation itself becomes their provider.
On his part, the Chairman of Uyo Local Government and Chairman of ALGON, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, hailed the recruitment drive not just as a security necessity, but as a transformative career path for the state’s vibrant youth population.
The Chairman emphasized that the Nigerian Army offers a prestigious platform for the youth of Akwa Ibom to channel their energy into national service, while securing a stable and heroic future.
The sensitization seminar also featured a series of goodwill messages from key stakeholders, including Commissioner for Youth Development represented by Director of Youth Directorate, Mr. Emmanuel Akpabio, Chairman of Uruan Local Government Area, Surv. Iniobong Ekpenyong, Paramount Ruler of Uyo LGA, Chief Sylvanus Okon, who collectively praised the collaboration between the State Government and the Nigerian Army, pledging to ensure the message reaches every nook and cranny of the state.
Other dignitaries in attendance include, the Commander 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General N.E Okoloagu, Chief of Staff Headquarters 2 Brigade of Nigerian Army, Colonel J.K Adisa, Brigadier General A.O NDA, Commander of Ibom Community Watch, Isantim Kenneth Okon, SSA to Akwa Ibom State Governor on non-indigenes Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbole, alongside various local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and youth leaders.
