By Leonard Okachie
Brig.-Gen. Hassan Bello, Commander, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army Headquarters, Ohafia, in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia, has urged students to consider taking up a career in the military.
Bello made this statement during a public speaking engagement for secondary school students, organised by the Brigade on Friday at Ngwa High School, Aba.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme is part of activities for the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Bello, represented by the brigade’s Chief of Staff, Col. Maxwell Maaji, said that the army offered many career opportunities and benefits.
The commander, who disclosed that the Nigerian Army was celebrating 162 years of existence, said that it had remained professional and resilient despite challenges.
He reiterated the army’s commitment to patriotism and national development.
Bello explained that NADCEL is an annual event honouring members of the Nigerian Army for their role in defending the nation’s territorial integrity.
In a presentation, the brigade’s Education Officer, Maj. Patrick Otubo, enlightened the students on some basic ethical topics and guided them on possible career paths in the Nigerian Army.
He urged the students to be patriotic, imbibe honesty and integrity, as well as abstain from cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices.
Otubo, who allayed the fears expressed by some students about becoming soldiers, highlighted the criteria for selection and enlistment into the Nigerian Army.
In his remarks, Rev. Canon John Mammah, the principal of the school, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army for organising the event.
Mammah said that it would greatly impact the students.
Miss Confidence Okechukwu, a student of St. James Model Secondary School, Aba, commended the army for organising the programme, saying that the event had ignited her interest in joining the Nigerian Army.
NAN reports that the event, which brought together students from some schools in Abia, featured an interactive session, cultural dance, and other side attractions. (NAN)
