South-East youths military recruitment urged by Nigerian Army to boost representation, unity, and career opportunities across the armed forces

The Nigerian Army has expressed concern over the low participation of youths from the South-East region during recruitment exercises, urging them to embrace opportunities within the armed forces.

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The announcement was made on Thursday in Umuahia during a sensitisation campaign themed “Guardian of the Nation: A Clarion Call.”

Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, emphasised the importance of enlistment in ensuring regional representation, national unity, and career advancement.

“There is no greater service than laying down one’s life in defence of the country,” Etsu-Ndagi said, encouraging South-East youths to overcome apathy and pursue military careers.

He highlighted the wide range of opportunities available to young Nigerians, noting that the army employs engineers, doctors, lawyers, and ICT specialists.

Etsu-Ndagi added that military service offers personal development, domestic and international training, and the chance to serve across Nigeria.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti also encouraged youths to consider military service, noting that his administration’s progressive policies aim to sustain socioeconomic growth and prepare citizens for national service.

Guest speaker Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibisi (rtd) recounted joining the military despite initial discouragement following the Nigerian Civil War. Chibisi, who rose to the rank of Major General, shared experiences from peacekeeping missions in Sierra Leone and surviving an ambush in Borno, urging youths not to be swayed by negative media portrayals.

“With dedication and hard work, you can rise to the highest ranks in the Nigerian Army,” Chibisi said.

Abia Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Aghukwa, called on youths to fully utilise recruitment quotas, noting that disciplined and visionary young leaders are critical to Nigeria’s future.

Commander of the Nigerian Army 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Brig.-Gen. Ahmad Dikko, highlighted that quotas are equally allocated to all states but often remain unfilled in the South-East due to long-standing apathy.

He urged youths to enrol in larger numbers in upcoming recruitment exercises to strengthen regional representation and promote national unity.

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The event was attended by traditional rulers, security agencies, civil society groups, media influencers, and members of the Abia executive council.