Recruitment Snub? South-East Youth Participation in Army Drive Hits Record Low

Speaking during a sensitisation session with youth leaders and Presidents-General (P-Gs) from various Anambra communities, Ekeator emphasized the urgent need to encourage greater youth involvement in the recruitment drive.

“This sensitisation effort is crucial because, based on current data, just 200 individuals from the South-East have registered, whereas states in other regions have recorded no fewer than 4,000 applicants,” he said.

Ekeator called on youth leaders and community heads to return to their localities and actively mobilize young people to participate in the recruitment process. He stressed that stronger participation would help the region fill its quota and improve South-East representation in the military.

Representing Governor Chukwuma Soludo at the event, Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Aghamba, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to mobilizing young people for the exercise. He urged traditional rulers and P-Gs to help enlist at least ten youths from each community.

Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, added that the recruitment targets candidates between the ages of 18 and 22, encouraging eligible youths to seize the opportunity to serve.

Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a statement opposing the campaign. In a release signed by spokesperson Emma Powerful, IPOB cautioned traditional, religious, and community leaders against urging South-East youths to join the Nigerian Army.

The group claimed the military is using respected figures in the region to push recruitment, warning that such moves may not benefit Igbo youth. IPOB also raised concerns about alleged disparities in military recruitment and promotion, arguing that the South-East receives fewer slots and remains underrepresented in top military and security positions nationwide.