The 7 Division Nigerian Army (NA) organized a Public Speaking Engagement which involve students from various educational institutions in Maiduguri, Borno state as part of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2023. The purpose of the event, which took place on July 3, 2023 at Mustapha Umar Arabic Teachers College, was to inform the students about employment options inside the NA, advance advocacy against cultism and substance misuse, and highlight the NA’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The audience included representatives from the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council’s (MMC) Command Science Secondary School (Boys) Auno, Government Day Secondary School, and Mustapha Umar Arabic Teachers College. The NA’s dedication to promoting the army’s positive image as a vital tool of national integration and unity was reflected in the engagement.
The NA’s role in battling insurgency, crimes, and criminality across the country was stressed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who was represented by Brigadier General Matthew Oyekola, the Chief of Staff of 7 Division, in his opening remarks. In order to bring peace and normalcy back to every part of the nation, he emphasized the significance of public acceptance, cooperation, and support. In order to highlight the professional opportunities available in the NA and spark interest in enlisting in the military, it was thought crucial to involve community members, especially the young.
To get the students’ attention, the Army Headquarters Directorate of Civil-Military Affairs (AHQ DCMA) aired a documentary about the Nigerian Army to kick off the event. Then lectures were given on a variety of subjects, such as the NA’s notable undertakings, criteria for selection and enrollment in the NA, advocacy against cultism, narcotics, and substance misuse. In order to better grasp the topics covered, the audience got the chance to engage in a question-and-answer session.
Highlights of the occasion included speeches by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and GOC representatives. The attendees received refreshments, and a vote of thanks was given. To honor the event, a group portrait was shot. The 10 a.m. start time of the engagement ended at 1:30 p.m.
The 7 Division Nigerian Army’s Public Speaking Lecture Series is a prime example of the army’s dedication to social responsibility, education, and youth engagement. The program sought to motivate and direct the kids toward a brighter future while building a positive relationship between the army and the community by offering insightful information about the NA’s activities, job options, and activism against social vices.