At a small gathering hall in Ibadan, Brigadier-General Adeleye Lawal looked over a crowd of young men and women, their faces curious but cautious. The Nigerian Army officer wasn’t there to issue commands — he was there to make a heartfelt appeal.
“Joining the military does not mean signing your death warrant,” he said firmly. “People die at home, on the road, or in hospitals. But in the Army, you find purpose, discipline, and opportunities to become the best version of yourself.”
Lawal, who leads the Army Headquarters Recruitment Team, was in Oyo State as part of a nationwide sensitisation campaign — a drive aimed at encouraging more Nigerians, especially from the South-West, to enlist in the ongoing recruitment exercise. But the numbers, he admitted, were worrisome.
Since the recruitment portal opened on October 2, only about 2,070 applicants from the South-West have applied — a sharp contrast to other regions. The North-West, for instance, has produced roughly 14,000 applicants; the North-East, 13,000; and the North-Central, 10,000. Even the South-East, with fewer states, has recorded about 1,000.
Oyo State leads the South-West with 544 applications, but the Army says it’s still far below expectations. Each state has been allotted 180 recruitment slots, yet the fear is clear: if those from the region don’t step forward, their opportunities might be reallocated elsewhere.
“It’s not just about filling positions,” Lawal explained. “It’s about national balance and giving every region a sense of representation in defending our country.”
Fighting Misconceptions
In a region known for its academic ambition and entrepreneurial energy, military service has long struggled to attract interest. Many families in the South-West still see the Army as a career for those without alternatives — a view Lawal is determined to change. “We have doctors, engineers, and even pilots in uniform,” he said. “The Army gives you education, exposure, and a platform to achieve your dreams. It’s not about hardship — it’s about service and self-discovery.”
The Army’s recruitment campaign this year carries a softer, more personal tone. Officers are not just listing requirements — they are sharing stories, answering fears, and connecting with young people on their own terms. “Our job is to correct false perceptions,” Lawal added. “Soldiers are not just fighters; they are nation builders.”
Also present at the sensitisation event was retired Commissioner of Police, Sunday Odukoya, who now serves as the Executive Assistant to Oyo State Governor on Security Matters. His message echoed Lawal’s — passionate, yet practical. “We cannot allow our slots to go to waste,” Odukoya urged. “Tell your brothers, your friends, your sons — the Army is not a place of suffering. It is a place of growth and honour.”
He encouraged communities to rally behind young people willing to serve, noting that patriotism must start from within local families and neighbourhoods.
Beyond Uniforms and Guns
For many Nigerians, the idea of joining the Army still carries a mix of pride and fear — pride in serving the nation, but fear of danger and hardship. Yet, for those who have worn the uniform, the story is often different: discipline, education, and opportunity.
The Army insists that recruitment remains merit-based — no shortcuts, no favoritism. Physical fitness, medical health, and good character are still the standard requirements. But beyond the forms and physicals, there’s an emotional appeal — a reminder that national service is not just about defending borders, but also about building a stronger society.
A Call to Reimagine Service
As the recruitment drive continues, the Nigerian Army’s message is clear: the military is not just a career — it’s a calling. And for the South-West, it’s a chance to bridge the gap, to show that patriotism isn’t defined by region, but by readiness to serve.
In Brigadier-General Lawal’s words: “Many people have joined the Army and gone far beyond their dreams. The uniform doesn’t limit you — it builds you.” For Nigeria’s youth, perhaps the time has come to see the green beret not as a symbol of danger, but of purpose, pride, and promise.