According to Brigadier General Chima Ekeator, the head of the Army Headquarters Recruitment Sensitisation Team in Anambra, only 200 youths from the South-East region registered for the current Nigerian Army recruitment drive.
During a sensitisation meeting held with youth leaders and President-Generals (P-Gs) from various communities, Ekeator noted the concerningly low number of applicants from the region. He pointed out that while other zones across the country had already recorded over 4,000 applicants, the South-East region had only produced 200 candidates so far.
“This sensitisation is necessary because, according to records, only 200 persons have registered from the South-East, while in other states, not less than 4000 persons have registered,” Ekeator stated during the gathering.
He urged community leaders to return to their towns and villages to motivate young people to take advantage of the opportunity, explaining that more participation would ensure the region was properly represented in the Nigerian Army. He said that the region’s quota could go unfilled if youths did not show more interest.
Ekeator also noted that the recruitment is open to young people aged 18 to 22, and stressed the importance of equal representation from all parts of the country in the military.
The event saw the support of the Anambra State Government, with Governor Chukwuma Soludo—represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghambah—reaffirming the government’s commitment to engaging the youth on this matter.
Soludo’s representative encouraged traditional rulers and President-Generals to mobilise at least ten young people each from their communities to participate in the ongoing recruitment.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, echoed the call for stronger mobilisation efforts. He urged communities to act swiftly so the South-East would not be left behind in this national exercise.
