Soludo Says Negative Public Perceptions Discourage Youths From Joining Military
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has said negative public perceptions of the military and other security agencies may discourage young Nigerians from enlisting, calling for greater efforts to inspire young people through positive examples of national service.
Soludo made the remarks on Friday, October 9, 2026, during a memorial service for retired Lieutenant-General Chikadibia Obiakor at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
The governor said the exemplary lives of distinguished military officers such as Obiakor could encourage younger generations to consider careers in the armed forces and other forms of public service.
He also urged community leaders and elders to maintain close relationships with young people and demonstrate the values they want the next generation to embrace.
The remarks came as military recruitment and the participation of young Nigerians in national security institutions remain subjects of public discussion.
Soludo highlights the importance of military role models
Speaking at the memorial service, Soludo described Obiakor as an illustrious son of Anambra State whose military career and international peacekeeping service brought honour to Nigeria.
He praised the late general’s contribution to the country and described him as an example of how individuals from local communities could make a significant impact nationally and internationally.
“We have come to celebrate the life of one of our best,” the governor said.
Soludo also referred to Obiakor as “Anambra’s export to Nigeria and the world”, recognising his service beyond his home state.
The governor said public recognition of individuals who have served their country with distinction could help younger people appreciate the opportunities and responsibilities associated with national service.
His comments placed particular emphasis on the influence of people whose careers demonstrate discipline, responsibility and contributions to society.
According to Soludo, an individual’s achievements should not be measured only by professional recognition or international accomplishments, but also by the positive impact they have on the community from which they come.
“The impact on the community is the most important impact, that his people were able to testify that he was good,” he said.
Call for community leaders to encourage young people
Beyond celebrating Obiakor’s career, Soludo urged community leaders and elders to take a more active role in guiding younger generations.
He said respected individuals should maintain strong relationships with their communities and serve as role models whose conduct can inspire young people.
The governor’s argument was that young Nigerians need examples of people whose lives demonstrate the value of service, responsibility and commitment to the country.
His remarks suggest that encouraging military recruitment involves more than asking young people to enlist. It also requires building confidence in public institutions and demonstrating how service can contribute to the wider society.
Community leaders, parents, teachers and other influential figures can help young people understand the different career paths available in national service. However, the extent to which public perceptions affect recruitment would require further evidence to measure.
Soludo did not announce a new military recruitment programme or provide figures showing how many young people had been discouraged from joining the armed forces because of public perceptions.
Rather, his remarks focused on the importance of exemplary leadership and the influence of respected figures such as the late Obiakor.
Why public confidence matters for military recruitment
Recruitment into the armed forces depends on several considerations, including eligibility requirements, career opportunities, training, service conditions and an individual’s willingness to accept the responsibilities of military life.
Public confidence can also influence how young people and their families view a career in uniform.
When potential recruits have concerns about safety, working conditions or the conduct of security agencies, those concerns may affect their willingness to enlist. At the same time, visible examples of professional service and positive contributions can help build confidence.
Soludo’s comments highlight this relationship between public perception and the image of military service.
However, his statement should be understood as his assessment of a possible recruitment challenge, rather than proof that negative perceptions are the principal reason young Nigerians choose not to join the military.
Establishing the scale of the problem would require official recruitment data, information about applicants’ motivations and evidence from prospective recruits across different parts of the country.
The military also has a role in communicating its recruitment requirements, career opportunities and standards of professional conduct clearly to the public.
Defence leadership pays tribute to Obiakor
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, also paid tribute to the late officer.
Oluyede was represented at the memorial service by Major-General Tariweriye Gagariga, Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
The defence chief expressed condolences to Obiakor’s family and joined other mourners in recognising his contribution to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He described the retired general as a decorated veteran whose distinguished service brought honour and dignity to the military.
Earlier, Obiakor’s son, Nonso Obiakor, reflected on his father’s life, highlighting his discipline, commitment to international peacekeeping and dedication to humanity.
The memorial service attracted family members, senior military officers, government officials and other mourners who gathered to celebrate the late general’s life and contributions.
Obiakor’s career was remembered as an example of service extending beyond Nigeria’s borders through international peacekeeping efforts.
What Soludo’s remarks mean for future recruitment efforts
The governor’s comments place attention on the role of public confidence, leadership and community engagement in encouraging young Nigerians to consider military careers.
Positive examples may help communicate the value of service, but improving recruitment also requires institutions to address legitimate questions from potential applicants and their families.
Clear information about recruitment procedures, training, career development and service conditions can help prospective recruits make informed decisions.
Equally, public trust depends on professional conduct, accountability and the experiences people have with security agencies.
Soludo’s remarks did not outline specific policy measures to address these issues. Instead, he called on community leaders and elders to inspire younger people and emphasised the example set by distinguished officers such as Obiakor.
The memorial service therefore served both as a tribute to a retired military leader and an occasion for the governor to discuss how respected individuals can influence the next generation.
As Nigeria continues to depend on its security institutions to protect lives and maintain national security, the question of how to attract qualified and committed young people remains important.
For Soludo, celebrating officers who have served with distinction and encouraging community leaders to mentor younger people are ways to strengthen interest in military and national service.
Source: Arise News
