The Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps especially those from the state to enroll into the Nigerian army after the service year.
The state lamented the low enrollment of Lagos indigenes in the military noting that slots meant for the state are being taken over by non- Lagosians.
At a sensitisation programme held for corps members serving in the state held on Tuesday at Ikeja, with the theme ‘ Breaking Barriers: Opportunities in The Armed Forces For Indigenous Youth, A Case Study of Low Enrollment in Lagos,’ the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Sesan Ogundeko who was represented by Dr. Funmilayo Sokunbi said the enrollment of Lagosians has not been at the level it should be.
“ The armed forces remain one of the greatest symbols of unity. Indigenous participation has not been at the level it should be. The Lagos State government through the Ministry of Special Duties is committed to ensuring every Nigerian youth is given a chance to contribute to national development,” the permanent secretary said.
The Deputy Director, Planning Research and Strategy, from the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Olatunde Oluyemi urged the corps members not to be afraid to join the military and ignore misconceptions about the armed forces.
“The misconception is that many are afraid to join the military but your fears are genuine. However, we can’t bring nationals from another country to join our military, we have to recruit among Nigerians. People think joining the military is a death sentence but know that it is a call to serve our motherland.
I appeal to you to seize the opportunity offered by Lagos State to enlist in the Nigerian army and be gainfully employed. We do not want our quota for the state to be shared with other states,” he said .
Director Administration, Federal Character Commission, FCC, Toyin Owoniyi, said the country has moved past the era of quota system but that the government wants every part of the country to feel a sense of belonging.
“ Most of the slots allocated to Lagos State are usually taken by people from other states. More Lagos indigenes should be encouraged to join the armed forces. Lagos is central to the nation’s success so Lagos indigenes should be protected,” she said.
Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Special Duties, Tobi Oladejo also urged the corps members to ‘seize the best opportunity to join any of the armed forces and moee Lagosians are hereby encouraged to join the federal civil service to shed the load of unemployment in the state.’
The Deputy Commander, Lagos office, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Chinyerem Eziaghala also counselled the NYSC on abstinence from drug abuse.