Nigerian Army Urges South-East Youths to Enlist in Military

• The Nigerian Army has urged youths in Abia State and the wider South-East to enlist in the military.
• Speaking during an awareness campaign in Umuahia, army officials and Governor Alex Otti expressed concern over the low number of applicants from the region and encouraged young people to take advantage of career opportunities in the force.

The Nigerian Army has called on youths in Abia State and other South-East states to enlist in the military and serve the country.

The appeal was made on Thursday in Umuahia during the first edition of an awareness campaign organised by the Army’s Department of Civil-Military Affairs for youths, traditional rulers, and civil society groups.

Speaking at the event, retired Major General Gold Chibuisi urged young people from the South-East to stop avoiding military service and instead take advantage of the career opportunities available in the army.

He noted that the army offers professional opportunities in several fields, including medicine, law, engineering, and other specialties.

Chibuisi also dismissed concerns about alleged profiling of Igbo soldiers or claims that certain groups are deliberately sent to more dangerous war fronts.

He assured potential recruits that their welfare and promotion would not be denied.

Also speaking, retired Major General Chukwunedum Abraham expressed concern over the low number of applicants from the region during the last recruitment exercise.

According to him, figures showed that only 671 applicants from Imo State and 428 applicants from Ebonyi State applied, which he described as very low compared to other regions.

The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs of the Nigerian Army, Musa Awwal Etsu-Ndagi, said the programme was designed to sensitise youths and community leaders about opportunities in the army and address misconceptions about the military.

Meanwhile, Alex Otti also encouraged youths in the state to consider joining the army.

He expressed concern that Abia had consistently recorded low applications during recruitment exercises and pledged that his administration would support efforts to improve participation.