The Nigerian Army has expressed concern regarding the low turnout of enlistment applications from the South-East region, particularly Anambra State. As of April 7, only 117 applications had been received from Anambra out of a total of 38,000 nationwide. Brig.-Gen. Uche Nnabuihe, who led an Army delegation to Awka, highlighted these figures before the commencement of a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at encouraging more youths from Anambra and the South-East to join the 91 Regular Recruits Intake, with a deadline set for May 27. “We observed with concern that out of 38,000 applications received nationwide, only 117 came from Anambra as of April 7,” Gen. Nnabuihe stated. He emphasized that the sensitization efforts are intended to correct this imbalance and motivate local youths to seize the opportunities available within the Nigerian Army.
The Army delegation underscored the numerous benefits associated with enlistment, which include structured career progression, regular pay, continuous military education, specialized training, and exposure to diverse cultures. Additionally, personnel enjoy various welfare packages, free medical care for their 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 established in Abakaliki and Osogbo to accommodate incoming recruits.
Ifeatu Emodi, the Permanent Secretary of the Anambra Ministry of Youths, commended the initiative, describing military enlistment as vital for South-East youths. He attributed the declining interest in enlistment to misconceptions and misinformation about the Army. Traditional ruler Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche of Enugwu-Agidi praised the Army’s welfare structure and encouraged local youths to enlist for better regional representation. The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the sensitization event, held at the Ministry of Youths in Awka, attracted a diverse group of young people. The Army’s efforts to enhance recruitment from the South-East are particularly significant in light of ongoing concerns about regional representation in the military and the need to address historical imbalances in enlistment figures.
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