By Uriel Ihotu
Only 200 youths from the Southeast have registered for the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment exercise, according to Brig.-Gen. Chima Ekeator, leader of the Army Force Headquarters Recruitment Sensitization Team.
Ekeator made the disclosure during a sensitization event for youth leaders and President-Generals (P-Gs) of various communities in Anambra State.
He expressed concern over the low participation from the region, noting that while other states have recorded over 4,000 applicants, the Southeast lags significantly behind.
“This sensitization 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 enrolled,” Ekeator said. “We are urging youth leaders and P-Gs to return to their communities, engage with young people, and encourage them to take part.”
He emphasized that increased participation would ensure better representation of the Southeast in the Nigerian Army and help the region fully utilise its recruitment quota.
Speaking at the event, Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo assured that the government would intensify efforts to sensitize young people about the opportunity. Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, Soludo called on traditional rulers and community leaders to mobilize at least 10 youths each for the recruitment.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, urged eligible youths, aged between 18 and 22, to seize the opportunity to serve by joining the Army.
