The Nigerian Army has expressed concern over the low number of enlistment applications from Nigeria’s South-East region, particularly Anambra State, where only 117 candidates applied out of 38,000 nationwide.
Brigadier General Uche Nnabuihe disclosed this during a sensitisation campaign in Awka, noting that the figure was recorded as of April 7, prior to the launch of a nationwide awareness drive.
According to him, the campaign is aimed at encouraging more youths from the South-East to participate in the ongoing 91 Regular Recruits Intake before the May 27 deadline.
“We observed with concern that out of 38,000 applications received nationwide, only 117 came from Anambra,” Nnabuihe said, urging eligible youths to take advantage of opportunities within the military.
Also speaking, Lieutenant Colonel Ogbemudia Osawe highlighted improvements in training infrastructure, including new institutions in Abakaliki and Osogbo to accommodate incoming recruits.
He outlined benefits of military service to include career progression, regular remuneration, continuous training, and exposure to diverse cultures, alongside welfare packages such as free medical care for families, pensions, and opportunities for international assignments.
The Permanent Secretary of the Anambra State Ministry of Youths, Ifeatu Emodi, attributed the low turnout to misconceptions and misinformation about military service, while commending the Army’s sensitisation efforts.
Similarly, the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Agidi, Michael Okeke-Uche, urged young people to enlist, noting that greater participation would improve regional representation in the armed forces.
The sensitisation programme, held in Awka, attracted a cross-section of youths, as authorities intensify efforts to boost recruitment across the South-East.
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