Awka (Nigeria): Brig.-Gen. Uche Nnabuihe expressed concern about low enlistment from the South-East, noting that Anambra recorded only 117 applications as of April 7, before a nationwide awareness campaign began.
He led the Army delegation in Awka, explaining that the figure was recorded on April 7, prior to the start of the nationwide awareness campaign.
He explained the exercise was designed to inspire more youths from Anambra and the South-East to boldly join the 91 Regular Recruits Intake before the May 27 deadline.
He observed that only 117 applications came from Anambra out of 38,000 nationwide.
He said the sensitisation aims to encourage more youths to take advantage of Army opportunities.
Nnabuihe urged all eligible youths in Anambra and the South-East who have not yet applied to visit the designated recruitment centres or use the official Army recruitment portal to submit their applications before the May 27 deadline.
Furthering the discussion, Lt.-Col. Ogbemudia Osawe, also with the delegation, emphasised that training infrastructure had expanded, citing new institutions in Abakaliki and Osogbo for incoming recruits.
Osawe listed benefits, including career progression, reliable pay, continuous military education, specialised training, and invaluable exposure to Nigeria’s diverse cultures. re-packages, free medical care for families, pensions, gratuities, and opportunities for international assignments.
In response, Permanent Secretary of the Anambra Ministry of Youths, Ifeatu Emodi, commended the initiative, describing military enlistment as crucial for South-East youths.
Emodi emphasised that overcoming misconceptions and misinformation about the Army could open doors for young people, enabling them to fully realise their potential.
Okeke-Uche of Enugwu-Agidi praised the Army’s welfare structure and urged youths to enlist to improve regional representation.
The sensitisation held at the Ministry of Youth in Awka attracted a cross-section of young people.