Brig.-Gen. Uche Nnabuihe has expressed concern over the low level of interest in the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment from the South-East, revealing that Anambra recorded only 117 applications out of 38,000 received nationwide.
Nnabuihe, who led an Army delegation to sensitise youths in Awka, said the figure was recorded as of April 7, before the commencement of a nationwide awareness campaign for the 91 Regular Recruits Intake.
He said the sensitisation exercise was aimed at encouraging more youths from Anambra and the South-East to participate in the recruitment, which is open to trades and non-tradesmen and women and will close on May 27.
“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 the opportunities available in the Nigerian Army,” he said.
Nnabuihe urged eligible youths to apply, noting that the Army offers a structured career path and opportunities for national service.
Also speaking, Lt.-Col. Ogbemudia Osawe said the Army had expanded its training infrastructure with institutions in Abakaliki and Osogbo to accommodate recruits.
Osawe highlighted benefits of joining the service to include career progression, regular pay and allowances, access to continuous military education and specialised training.
Others are exposure to diverse cultures, good welfare packages, free medical care for personnel and their families, as well as pension and gratuity.
He added that personnel also have opportunities for international assignments.
Military Enlistment Crucial
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Youths, Mr Ifeatu Emodi, commended the initiative, describing military enlistment as crucial, especially for youths in the South-East.
Emodi said many young people in the region had shown declining interest due to misconceptions and misinformation about the Army.
A traditional ruler, Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche of Enugwu-Agidi, also lauded the welfare structure of the Nigerian Army and urged youths to enlist to ensure adequate representation of the South-East in the military.
The sensitisation took place at the Ministry of Youths office in Awka and attracted a cross-section of young people from the state
