The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, has encouraged students to join the Nigerian Army.
Ajose made the call during a public speaking engagement organised by the division as part of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) at Yayaha Abdulkarim Model Primary and Secondary School on Tuesday in Sokoto.
Represented by Brig.-Gen. Aliyu Musa, Ajose said the Nigerian Army had divers segments of career opportunities to join as professionals and non professionals in order to contribute toward national development.
He explained that the institution recruits eligible persons from different parts of the country irrespective of individual backgrounds and equipping them with relevant trainings.
He reflected on the Nigerian Army’s transformations as the institution celebrated 162 years of existence stressing that the Army would remain a cornerstone of national defense through professionalism, resilience, and sacrifice.
Ajose reiterated army’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity, and upholding the rights of all citizens.
The GOC affirmed that the Nigerian Army would continue to root out terrorism and ensure national security through effective counter-terrorism strategies.
According to him, the Nigerian Army commemorates its 162nd anniversary with Jumuat prayer and interdenominational church service and other series of events marking this year’s activities.
” The ceremony, which is simultaneously held across formations nationwide, was both symbolic and spiritual, drawing high-ranking officers, families, and members of the public together in thanksgiving and reflection.
Lt. Col. Nuhu Yahaya, Acting Director Education Services, of the Division, dwelled on the criteria for eligibility of becoming a commissioned and non commissioned Army personnel strata.
They included the years of trainings, artisans requirement and different operational fields in the army formations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other presenters delivered lectures on dangers of drug abuse, cultism and other social vices as well as importance of nation patriotism, civic- military relations, descipline and upholding truth.
The School Principal and Headteacher, Hajia Murjanatu Muhammad and Hajia Lubabatu Musa, thanked the Nigerian Army for organizing the event which would surely make impacts on the students in future.
Meanwhile, in a separate event, the Chairperson of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) Division, Mrs. Meg Ndidi Ajose, described the wives of Soldiers and Officers as the strength behind the uniform.
She emphasized that women were the strength behind the uniform, serving as caregivers, allies, and voices of peace.
“The strength behind the uniform is a woman. We are the moral and the seed bed of peace; the bridge between the uniform and the civilian life, the caretakers of our families, our communities, and our beautiful country Nigeria.
“Women have been at the heart of the efforts to educate, ensure hygiene, build peaceful communities, and morals,” Ajose said.
NAN reports that lectures were delivered on importance of women education and empowerment, environmental sanitation and body hygiene, family upkeep as well as community development initiatives. (NAN)
