Lagos State Sends Off 136 Recruits for Nigerian Army 90 Regular Recruits Intake, Reaffirms Commitment to National Security
By:Sesan Rufus Awobiye
The Lagos State Government on Friday, 2nd January 2026, held a departure ceremony for candidates selected for the 90 Regular Recruits Intake (RRI) of the Nigerian Army at the T.A. Lagbaja Cantonment, Maryland, Ikeja. The event marked a significant moment for the state as it formally presented its young men and women who have answered the call to serve the nation through the military profession.
Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary to the State Government, Bar. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, expressed the pride of the state while also highlighting its high expectations and continued aspirations for greater representation in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
According to her, Lagos State produced 136 successful candidates for the current intake. However, she noted that the state is not yet satisfied with this figure, stressing that Lagos has the capacity to contribute far more to national defense if given broader opportunities.
“Our expectations are high. Even though people say we have done well in terms of the number of candidates we bring into the military, we are still not satisfied because we are not yet where we should be,” she said.
She further revealed that 27 female candidates from Lagos State were turned back, solely because of gender-related limitations, describing it as a painful reminder of the untapped potential within the state.
“In Lagos, we have men and women who are capable in every ramification. If those ladies were added, you can imagine how much stronger our numbers would have been. But the military has its own rules, and we must abide by them,” she added.
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Mrs. Bimbola reflected on past intakes where Lagos State could only produce between 30 and 40 candidates, noting with optimism that the current figure shows clear improvement. She emphasized that the presence of parents, royal fathers, former ministers, and government officials at the ceremony demonstrated collective ownership of the process and strong support for the recruits.
She described the military profession as a noble and disciplined calling, essential to the stability and survival of any nation.
“The military profession is a very good one. You can see how clean they are, how disciplined they are, and how organized they are. We need them. Security is not a job for just one group; it is everybody’s responsibility,” she said.
The Secretary to the State Government also emphasized that when citizens’ children are actively involved in national defense, public appreciation and support for the military naturally increases.
“When our children are there, they will come and tell us what they see, and then we will begin to truly appreciate and pray for the military. Security must be a collective effort; it cannot be handled casually. Any serious country must take its military seriously.”
She used the opportunity to express gratitude to President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for supporting the recruitment process, as well as to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for providing the necessary backing and “matching orders” that made Lagos State’s improved participation possible.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Bimbola assured attendees that Lagos State is determined to do better in subsequent intakes, promising increased commitment and engagement.
“I know we will get better than we used to be. We will improve on this, and we will do better next year,” she affirmed.
She charged the recruits to remember that they are ambassadors of the State of Excellence, urging them to distinguish themselves wherever they are posted.
“The only charge I have for you is this: you are from Lagos State. Everything you do must be excellent. You must stand out, even in the military.”
Addressing the recruits directly, she advised them to be obedient, disciplined, and receptive to training.
“You must obey your seniors and practice everything you are taught. Discipline and humility will take you far,” she concluded.
The ceremony ended with prayers and goodwill messages for the recruits as they embarked on their journey into military training, carrying with them the hopes, pride, and expectations of Lagos State and the nation at large.
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