The Lagos State Government has issued a heartfelt call to the state’s youths, urging them to consider enrolling in the military and contributing to national security.

This appeal was made by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, during the quarterly meeting with the Chairman and members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ikeja.

Salu-Hundeyin emphasized the critical role of military service in safeguarding the nation, stating that security is a collective responsibility.

She noted that the absence of Lagos State indigenes in the military has become concerning, especially following the results of the most recent recruitment drive, which saw a very low turnout from the state’s youth.

According to her, the Federal Government has mandated that military recruitment be distributed evenly across the country, with each state allocated 150 slots.

However, Lagos State has been falling short in terms of participation, leaving many of these opportunities unclaimed by its residents.

“We have observed a significant gap in military representation from Lagos State. It is alarming to see that our young people are not taking advantage of this opportunity.

We want to ensure that our state is well-represented in the armed forces, especially since every state has a set quota,” Salu-Hundeyin remarked.

She further stressed that military service is vital to the safety and stability of the nation and that everyone has a role to play in national security.

“The military’s function is the protection of the nation, and that responsibility belongs to all citizens. It should not be left to only a specific group.

While not everyone can wear the uniform, those who feel called to this duty should seize the opportunity to apply.

Unfortunately, we have found that many young people in Lagos are not interested in joining the military.

They do not see the value in serving, but this mindset is detrimental to our state,” she added.

Salu-Hundeyin highlighted the importance of Lagos State having a robust presence in the military, not just for national defense but also to ensure the state is not left behind in contributing to the country’s armed forces.

She urged youths to change their perception of military service and consider it a noble and essential career path, stressing that failing to participate in military recruitment means short-changing their state.

The Secretary to the State Government also pointed out that military service is not just about wearing a uniform, but about making a meaningful contribution to the state’s security and the nation’s defense.

She concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to encouraging Lagos State indigenes to take up the challenge and fulfill their civic duties by joining the military, which in turn strengthens the state’s representation and participation in national affairs.

The call for more youth involvement in the military comes as part of a broader effort by the Lagos State Government to address security concerns and ensure that the state plays its full role in contributing to national security.

By encouraging young people to enlist, the government hopes to bolster the state’s influence within the Nigerian armed forces while fostering a greater sense of civic responsibility among its residents.