RIVERS YOUTHS SHOULD BE MORE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT JOINING THE MILITARY – PROF. WORIKA

 RIVERS YOUTHS SHOULD BE MORE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT JOINING THE MILITARY – PROF. WORIKA 

The Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, has called on youths in the state to show greater interest in joining the Nigerian military, urging them to seize the opportunity of the ongoing recruitment exercise to enlist.

Prof. Worika expressed concern over the low enlistment rate of Rivers youths in the military and pledged that the State Government would review its sensitization and enlistment strategy to address the gap.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Juliana Masi, Head of the Press Unit in the Office of the SSG. The statement followed a visit by the Nigerian Army recruitment team to the SSG’s office in Port Harcourt.

The team, led by Brigadier General Wito Nzidee, was in the state to boost awareness about the ongoing 89th Regular Recruitment Intake for Trades and Non-Tradesmen and Women.

Prof. Worika emphasized that the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, a former military officer, understands the immense benefits of a military career and is committed to encouraging Rivers youths to enlist.

“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,” Prof. Worika said.

“We will scale up sensitization to ensure the people are aware. Letters have been sent to Heads of Local Government Areas. We will also review our sensitization process to identify gaps that have led to our state’s poor performance in military enlistment."

"There are significant benefits in joining the military, and we must help our youths realize that there are great career alternatives in service to the nation."

In his remarks, Brig. Gen. Wito Nzidee explained that the recruitment process is guided by a quota system, which ensures equal opportunity for all states. He emphasized the importance of Rivers State filling its slots before the recruitment closes on May 17, 2025.

“We have officers from other states contributing to peace and development in Rivers State. If we do not meet our quota, there will come a time when we may not have Rivers officers to secure and maintain peace in our own state,” he noted.

“There’s no regret in joining the military—so long as one remains disciplined, loyal to constituted authority, and committed to building a career.”