Alarm Bells as Only 200 South-East Youths Register for Army Recruitment

The Nigerian Army has raised an alarm over the poor turnout of youths from the South-East region in its ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise, revealing that only 200 applicants have registered from the entire region.

This was disclosed by the Leader of the Army Headquarters Recruitment Sensitisation Team, Brigadier-General Chima Ekeator, during a sensitisation programme for youth leaders and President-Generals (P-Gs) of communities in Anambra State.

While other regions are recording figures as high as 4,000 applicants, the South-East lags behind significantly, prompting the Army to intensify efforts to mobilise interested youths.

“This sensitisation is necessary because, according to records, only 200 persons have registered from the South-East, while in other states, not less than 4,000 have shown interest,” Ekeator lamented. “We are calling on youth leaders and P-Gs to go back to their communities and encourage the youths to take advantage of this opportunity.”

The Army believes increased participation from the South-East is crucial to ensuring the region receives its fair quota in national military representation.

Speaking on behalf of the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, assured that the state government would step up grassroots awareness. He urged traditional rulers and community heads to help mobilise at least 10 eligible youths from each community to join the Army.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, reminded attendees that the recruitment targets Nigerian youths between the ages of 18 and 22, calling on eligible candidates to take advantage of the opportunity.