The Nigerian Army has raised concerns over the low turnout of enlistment applications from the South-East region, particularly Anambra State, where only 117 applications were received out of 38,000 nationwide. Brig.-Gen. Uche Nnabuihe, leading an Army delegation to Awka, disclosed that the figure was recorded on April 7, before a nationwide awareness campaign commenced. The exercise aims to encourage more youths from Anambra and the South-East to join the 91 Regular Recruits Intake before the May 27 deadline.
“We observed with concern that out of 38,000 applications received nationwide, only 117 came from Anambra as of April 7,” Gen. Nnabuihe said. “This sensitisation is to correct that imbalance and encourage our youths to take advantage of opportunities in the Nigerian Army.”
The Army delegation emphasised the benefits of enlistment, including structured career progression, regular pay, continuous military education, specialised training, and exposure to diverse cultures. Personnel also enjoy welfare packages, free medical care for families, pensions, gratuities, and opportunities for international assignments. Lt.-Col. Ogbemudia Osawe, a member of the delegation, noted that training infrastructure has expanded, with new institutions in Abakaliki and Osogbo to accommodate incoming recruits.
Permanent Secretary of the Anambra Ministry of Youths, Ifeatu Emodi, commended the initiative, describing military enlistment as crucial for South-East youths. He attributed declining interest to misconceptions and misinformation about the Army. Traditional ruler Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche of Enugwu-Agidi praised the Army’s welfare structure and urged youths to enlist for better regional representation.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the sensitisation held at the Ministry of Youths in Awka attracted a cross-section of young people. The Army’s efforts to boost recruitment from the South-East come amid concerns about regional representation in the military and the need to address historical imbalances in enlistment figures.
