The Lagos State Government has called on indigenous youths to consider joining the military as part of a broader commitment to national security. The appeal was made by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, during the quarterly meeting with the Chairman and members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ikeja.
Salu-Hundeyin emphasized that the security of the nation is a collective responsibility, stating, “Security of any nation must be everybody’s business.” She expressed concern over the low enrollment of youths from Lagos State in the military, noting that the recent recruitment drive revealed a significant shortfall.
According to Salu-Hundeyin, the Federal Government has allocated 150 recruitment slots for each state, but Lagos has not adequately filled its share. “We discovered that in the military in Nigeria, Lagos State has been seriously short-changed. We hardly have people there,” she said, urging locals not to miss this opportunity to serve.
She underscored the importance of participation, stating, “If your state does not participate, you are short-changing your state. We cannot leave you to the hands of only certain people. I think it is a disservice to our country.” Salu-Hundeyin argued that involvement in the military is a noble endeavor that should be embraced rather than shunned.
Moreover, she highlighted that the military offers various career paths beyond combat roles. “Today, the military is not just about gun carrying… You can be a medical doctor there. You can be a nurse, you can be a mechanic. You can do anything if you are in the military,” she explained.
Salu-Hundeyin concluded by stating that serving in the military is a proud contribution to the nation and encourages youths to recognize the value of this service. Apostle Kehinde Sowemimo, Chairman of PCRC, echoed her sentiments, noting that there is a prevailing reluctance among parents, particularly in the southwest, to allow their children to pursue military careers.