Gladness Gideon
The Nigerian Army has voiced concern over the dwindling interest of youths from the South-East region in its ongoing 2025 recruitment exercise, warning that the region risks forfeiting its allocated quotas due to poor application turnout.
Brigadier-General Chima Ekeator, who led the Army’s recruitment sensitization campaign to Enugu on Sunday, described the situation as worrisome, noting that while northern states like Kaduna have recorded over 3,000 applications, states in the Southeast — including Enugu — are struggling to reach even a fraction of their expected figures.
“Enugu State, for instance, was allocated 200 slots, yet the number of applicants remains below 100,” Ekeator stated.
“This trend is not limited to Enugu; it’s a recurring issue across the entire South-East. If this continues, we won’t have enough qualified candidates to fill the slots during screening.”
The Army general urged South-East youths to seize the opportunity and embrace military service, adding that current misconceptions may be discouraging potential applicants.
“There is false information spreading that Igbos are deliberately exposed to the frontlines to be killed — this is simply not true,” he clarified. “Many of us from the South-East have risen through the ranks. For instance, Major General Chibueze Ogbuabor currently holds a key position in charge of military equipment.”
The event drew participation from top state officials and community leaders, all of whom echoed the Army’s call for greater youth engagement.
Enugu State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, lamented that despite past efforts to boost enlistment, the problem persists. He called for a more modern, targeted approach to recruitment, noting generational shifts in communication preferences.
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“We’re dealing with a new generation,” Ekweremadu said. “To reach them effectively, we must adopt innovative outreach strategies. Governor Peter Mbah is fully committed to ensuring the state meets its quota and views military service as both noble and globally respected.”
Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, Chairman of the Enugu chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), pledged the continued support of local government authorities but urged the military hierarchy to address lingering concerns that may discourage enlistment.
Other speakers, including Hon. Arinze Ogbodo, State Coordinator of the Presidents-General of Enugu State Town Unions; Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu, former Chairman of the Enugu Traditional Rulers Council; and Lieutenant Colonel Israel Mbah (rtd.), traditional ruler of Nomeh Unataeze, echoed the appeal for more awareness and civic education.
“I was a soldier and I survived the civil war. I served my country and today I serve my people as a traditional ruler,” Mbah said. “Our youths should not shy away from this opportunity. The Army remains a platform for discipline, service, and national growth.”
The sensitization campaign is part of the Army’s broader push to ensure inclusive participation across all regions and foster national integration through military service.