Nigerian Army Recruitment: Only 200 Igbo Youths Register in South-East Compared to 4,000 from other Regions – Brig. Gen. Ekeator

The Nigerian Army has expressed concern over the low turnout of South-East youths in its ongoing recruitment exercise, revealing that only 200 individuals from the region have registered so far, in stark contrast to over 4,000 registrants in other regions. Brigadier General Chima Ekeator, who leads the Army Force Headquarters Recruitment Sensitisation Team in Anambra State, disclosed this during a sensitisation programme held for youth leaders and President-Generals of various communities in the state.

Ekeator urged community leaders to mobilise young people, stressing the importance of their participation in the national exercise. He called on them to engage with the youths in their communities and encourage greater involvement.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, responded with a commitment to support the sensitisation effort. Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghambah, the governor appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders to each mobilise at least ten youths to register for the Army recruitment.

Echoing this call, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, emphasised that the recruitment is open to youths aged 18 to 22 and encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunity to serve the nation.

The move comes just days after the Nigerian Army raised the alarm over the poor enlistment numbers from the South-East, urging a shift in attitude to help reverse the growing imbalance.