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Negative Perceptions Discouraging Youths from Joining Military, Says Soludo

Negative Perceptions Discouraging Youths from Joining Military, Says Soludo – THISDAYLIVE

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has said negative public perceptions of the military and other security agencies sometimes discourage young people from joining the services.

Soludo spoke at the weekend at the memorial service for the late Lt. Gen. Chikadibia Obiakor (rtd.) at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.

He said the exemplary lives of officers such as Obiakor could inspire younger generations to embrace military service and other forms of national service.

The governor urged community leaders and elders to maintain close relationships with their people and serve as role models for younger generations.

Soludo described Obiakor as an illustrious son of Anambra State whose distinguished military career and international peacekeeping service brought honour to Nigeria.

“We have come to celebrate the life of one of our best,” he said.

He described the late general as “Anambra’s export to Nigeria and the world”, noting his global service in promoting peace and maintaining law and order.

However, Soludo stressed that an individual’s greatest achievement lay in the positive impact made on their immediate community.

“The impact on the community is the most important impact, that his people were able to testify that he was good,” he said.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, expressed condolences to the Obiakor family and joined people of Anambra and Nigeria in mourning the late officer.

Oluyede was represented by the Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Maj.-Gen. Tariweriye Gagariga.

He described Obiakor as a decorated veteran whose distinguished service brought honour and dignity to the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Earlier, the deceased’s son, Mr. Nonso Obiakor, reflected on his father’s life, highlighting his discipline, international peacekeeping commitment and dedication to humanity.

The memorial service attracted family members, senior military officers, government officials and other mourners celebrating Obiakor’s contributions to Anambra State, Nigeria and the international community.

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Jobberman Nigeria, Nigeria’s leading career development and recruitment solutions company, has launched ‘Her Next Move’, a campaign designed to empower young Nigerian women with practical skills and confidence to pursue career opportunities and participate more fully in the workforce. 

Through free online training, the initiative supports women aged 18 to 35 as they prepare to enter the workplace, advance into better roles or explore freelance and gig work.

Built around the message ‘Your Future. Your Skills. Your Move’, the campaign places female inclusion at the centre of career development, encouraging women to take an active role in shaping their professional futures. It connects the ambition to progress with an accessible starting point: learning skills that can help women prepare for their next opportunity.

‘Her Next Move’ recognises that career progress looks different for every woman. For a graduate, it may mean preparing for a first job. For a woman already working, it may involve developing the skills to take on greater responsibility or pursue a new role. For another, it may mean understanding how to navigate freelance work and participate in the global gig economy. The campaign brings these aspirations together through a shared emphasis on learning, preparation and action.

This Initiative by Jobberman in partnership with Mastercard Foundation promotes two courses: Jobberman Soft Skills Training and Becoming a Successful Global Gig Worker. Both courses are free, with a free certificate upon successful completion.

Jobberman Soft Skills Training focuses on workplace readiness, helping participants build the professional skills needed to navigate work and prepare for career progression. Becoming a Successful Global Gig Worker introduces participants to the demands and opportunities of freelance and gig work, supporting women interested in exploring career paths beyond traditional employment.

By making the training and certification available at no cost, ‘Her Next Move’ reduces the financial barrier to participation and encourages more young women to invest in their professional development. Its focus extends from raising awareness of learning opportunities to helping participants follow through and complete their chosen course.

To bring the campaign to life, Jobberman is working with young creators who are sharing personal stories about ambition, career transitions and the role of learning in their journeys. Through videos, social media posts and follow-up conversations, the creators encourage young women to reflect on their own goals and identify the practical steps they can take towards them.

These stories are intended to make career development relatable, connecting everyday aspirations with opportunities to learn. Across the campaign, the question “What is your next move?” invites women to define progress for themselves and begin preparing for it.

‘Her Next Move’ reinforces Jobberman’s and Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to supporting career development and expanding access to learning for young Nigerian women. By combining free skills training with relatable storytelling and encouragement to take action, the campaign seeks to help more women feel prepared to pursue their ambitions.

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