Brigadier-General Chima Ekeator, leader of the Nigerian Army Force Headquarters Recruitment Sensitisation Team in Anambra State, has raised concerns over the alarmingly low number of applicants from the South-East in the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment exercise.
Speaking during a sensitisation meeting with youth leaders and President-Generals (P-Gs) of various communities in the state, Ekeator disclosed that only 200 youths from the entire South-East region had registered, compared to over 4,000 applicants from other regions.
“This sensitisation is essential because, according to records, only 200 persons have registered from the South-East, while in other regions, no fewer than 4,000 individuals have applied,” he said. “We are calling on youth leaders and community heads to return to their communities and mobilise young people to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Ekeator stressed the importance of increased participation from the region to ensure it fully utilises its recruitment quota and strengthens South-East representation within the Nigerian Army.
Representing the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the initiative. He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to mobilise at least 10 youths from each community to participate in the recruitment process.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, encouraged eligible youths between the ages of 18 and 22 to seize the opportunity and enlist in the Nigerian Army.