Army begs South-East youths to enlist amid low recruitment turnout

The Nigerian Army on Saturday raised concern over low enlistment from the South-East, revealing the Anambra State recorded only 117 applications out of 38,000 nationwide.

Brig.-Gen. Uche Nnabuihe, who led an Army delegation to sensitise youths in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, said the figure was recorded on April 7, before a nationwide awareness campaign began.

Nnabuihe said the exercise aimed to encourage more youths from Anambra State and the South-East to join the 91 Regular Recruits Intake before the May 27 deadline.

He stated: “We observed with concern that out of 38,000 applications received nationwide, only 117 came from Anambra as of April 7.

“This sensitisation is to correct that imbalance and encourage our youths to take advantage of opportunities in the Nigerian Army.”

Nnabuihe urged eligible youths to apply, saying the Nigerian Army offers a structured career path and opportunities for national service.

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A member of the sensitisation delegation, Lt.-Col. Ogbemudia Osawe, said training infrastructure had expanded, with new institutions in Abakaliki and Osogbo to accommodate incoming recruits.

Osawe listed the benefits to include career progression, regular pay, continuous military education, specialised training, and exposure to diverse cultures.

He added personnel enjoy welfare packages, free medical care for families, pensions, gratuities, and opportunities for international assignments.

The Permanent Secretary of Anambra State Ministry of Youths, Ifeatu Emodi, commended the initiative, describing military enlistment as crucial for South-East youths.

Emodi said declining interest among youths stemmed from misconceptions and misinformation about the Nigerian Army.