Stop shunning our recruitment exercises – Nigerian Army urges South-East youths
Nigerian Army Calls on Southeast Youths to Enlist
The Nigerian Army is appealing to young people in Abia and other Southeast states to consider joining its ranks in service to the nation.
This message was conveyed during an awareness campaign held in Umuahia on Thursday, organized by the Army’s Department of Civil-Military Affairs. The event aimed to engage youths, traditional rulers, and civil society groups regarding opportunities within the military.
Retired Major General Gold Chibuisi, the guest speaker at the event, urged attendees to view military service not as a burden but as a viable career path, highlighting fields such as medicine, law, and engineering. He addressed concerns surrounding the profiling of Igbo soldiers and refuted claims suggesting that junior soldiers from specific regions are disproportionately sent to conflict zones.
Chibuisi reassured the audience that promotions and welfare for soldiers from the Southeast would be prioritized and encouraged parents to support their children’s enlistment.
Retired Major General Chukwunedum Abraham noted disappointing recruitment statistics from recent efforts, revealing that only 671 applicants from Imo State and 428 from Ebonyi State participated, figures that fall short compared to other regions.
The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Musa Awwal Etsu-Ndagi, emphasized that the campaign was designed to educate youths and community leaders about the opportunities available in the Army while dispelling misconceptions.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti reiterated the importance of encouraging local youths to enlist, expressing concern over the historical low application rates from the state. He expressed commitment to reversing this trend through initiatives like the awareness campaign.
The Army’s outreach comes as part of broader efforts to engage the Southeast community and strengthen recruitment across the region.
