Army raises alarm over low recruitment in South East

Brig.-Gen. Uche Nnabuihe expressed concern over the low enrollment in the South East, revealing that Anambra recorded only 117 applications out of 38,000 nationwide.

Nnabuihe led an army delegation to sensitize youths in Awka, stressing that the figure was recorded on April 7, before the start of a nationwide awareness campaign.

He said the exercise was aimed at encouraging more youths from Anambra and the South East to join the 91 Regular Recruits Intake before the May 27 deadline.

“We noted with concern that out of 38,000 applications received nationwide, only 117 were from Anambra as of April 7.

“This sensitization is to correct this imbalance and encourage our youths to take advantage of opportunities in the Nigerian Army,” he said.

Nnabuihe urged eligible young people to apply, stressing that the military offers a structured career path and opportunities for national service.

Lieutenant Colonel Ogbemudia Osawe, a member of the outreach delegation, said training infrastructure had expanded, with new institutions in Abakaliki and Osogbo to accommodate the incoming recruits.

Osawe listed the benefits, including career advancement, regular pay, continuing military education, specialized training and exposure to different cultures.

He added that staff benefit from welfare packages, free medical care for families, pensions, tips and international assignment opportunities.

Permanent Secretary, Anambra Ministry of Youth Affairs, Ifeatu Emodi, lauded the initiative, describing military enlistment as crucial for the youths of the South East.

Emodi said the decline in interest among young people stems from misconceptions and misinformation about the military.

The traditional ruler, Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche of Enugwu-Agidi, has lauded the welfare structure of the military and urged youths to enlist for better regional representation.

The sensitization held at the Ministry of Youth Affairs in Awka, attracted a cross-section of youths.