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Uphold professionalism, patriotism, Otti, Kwankwaso urge Police Academy graduates
Negative perceptions and fear have largely been blamed for the reason many Nigerian youth frown at the idea of joining security agencies such as the army, police and other uniformed organisations.
The concerns were raised by the Director-General of the Armed Forces, Police & Paramilitary International Band Festival, Justin Duru, at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja.
Duru stated that much as he understands that the nation had gone through a trying period during the military regime, Nigerians need not continue to panic every time they see a uniformed person.
The security expert further explained that the phobia is also contributing to why youths are shunning recruitment and refusing to build a career in any of the uniformed agencies.
He said, “Wherever they see a policeman or military man in uniform, they tend to have this phobia. It is as if something negative is going to happen whereas it is not like that. Just because of that phobia, many of our youths are shying away from these organisations.
“But we want them to understand that you can also build a career in performing and creative art and music in any of these agencies. So when they call for recruitment, you can come in, and your speciality will be captured right there. So the youths are also being fused into our festival.
“As it stands, there have been lots of achievements since we started this festival. This is the first time we have a unity band where we have the army, police, navy, immigration, NSCDC, FRSC, customs, VIO and correctional service officers play together on one stage.”
Duru told journalists that the music festival, which was initially cancelled two years ago because of the 2023 general elections, was one of the avenues they are seeking to correct such phobia and wrong perceptions.
The maiden edition of the concert, which was endorsed by the Defence Headquarters, took place at the FCT Arts & Culture Centre on September 15, 2022.
