Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged the 88 RRI Nigerian Army potential recruits from the state to remain steadfast in their quest to join the nation’s Army.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave this charge Monday at the departure ceremony of the 314 Potential 88 RRI Nigerian Army Recruits from Lagos State, held at 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Maryland, Ikeja.
The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said that the recruits should go forth, embody the spirit of the RRI, and write their chapter in the proud history of the Nigerian Army.
He further charged the recruits to internalise the core values of integrity, professionalism, and loyalty, saying that those principles would not only guide their military careers but also define them as individuals dedicated to the service of humanity.
This was just as Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the Nigerian Army is a symbol of resilience, valour, and the indomitable spirit of the nation, saying that the recruits had embraced a calling that transcends individual ambition by committing themselves to the safety, stability, and prosperity of the country.
According to him, their commitment and the sacrifice it entails is no small feat, assuring that the Nigerian Army was equally committed to their welfare throughout their service.
“Nigerian Army is a symbol of resilience, valour, and the indomitable spirit of the nation. You embrace a calling that transcends individual ambition, committing yourselves to the safety, stability, and prosperity of our country.
“This is no small feat, and we recognise the weight of your commitment, the sacrifices it entails, and the unwavering support you will require. Rest assured, the Nigerian Army is equally committed to your welfare throughout your service,” he said.
Speaking further, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for the recruits to be good representatives of the state, reiterating that Lagos remained a beacon of excellence and leadership, just as he expressed the belief that they “will represent our state with honor and distinction.”
“Thus, we are confident that you will represent our state with honor and distinction. Remember, you are ambassadors of this great state, and your conduct will reflect the character and resilience of Lagosians,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu, however, assured the recruits that the state government and the people would stand firmly behind them, urging them to always remember the bond they shared with their fellow soldiers and should, therefore, “keep in mind that together, they are stronger, braver, and able to face any challenge.”
The governor, while further noting that the departure ceremony marked the culmination of months of training which had profoundly transformed them and further instilled discipline, and commitment to the nation, added that from mastering the fundamentals of soldiering to embodying the core values of integrity, courage, and loyalty, they had become soldiers who were ready to uphold the proud legacy of the RRI.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, earlier in her welcome address, reiterated that the recruits from Lagos State were very lucky as they had been well nurtured.
Salu-Hundeyin compared the treatment they enjoyed to children who were nurtured from the womb, charging them to be grateful to God and ensure that they make the state proud.
Speaking further, she appreciated the support of the state government, saying that the recruits had made the state proud judging from their excelling performance.
“They have gone through different rigorous training. We have never had it so good, your support is truly appreciated, you provided conducive accommodations, feeding and stipends were given, and we are grateful,” she said.
In his opening remark, Brigadier Commander 9 of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen Olawale Mathew Oyekola emphasized that the programme aimed to empower Lagos State candidates to excel during their training at the Nigerian Army, making them stand out from the rest.
General Oyekola added that the Nigerian Army had good synergy with the Lagos State Government in terms of sensitisation programmes and empowering the Army in the state.
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