BREAKING: Anambra Youths Shun Army Recruitment As Govt, Military Woo Indigenes

The Anambra Government has enjoined youths between 18 and 22 years old to explore a career path in the Nigerian Army, given a low turnout of applicants from the state.

The Anambra government revealed the concerns on Tuesday, urging interested individuals to consider the military for personal development and nation-building.

The government said the development has prompted the Chief of Army Staff, General Christopher Musa, to approve a sensitisation team to enlighten the youths on the benefits of joining the Army.

A press release by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, made available to THE WHISTLER noted that the team will conduct a series of outreach activities within the state.

Mefor said the outreach activities would be a part of the 89 Regular Recruits Intake Sensitisation Exercise in the state.

The release read partly, “According to a statement from the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Abuja, the sensitisation team will be visiting Anambra State for the 89 Regular Recruits Intake Sensitisation Exercise between 6 and 12 April 2025.

“The team will also guide interested applicants on the application process for ease of registration, while the youth leaders, who will be enlightened, will in turn sensitise youths in their various communities.”

The Southeast has reportedly lagged in applications to some of the nation’s security agencies, like the police and the military.

In October 2024, the Army Chief expressed concern over the low representation of the South-South and Southeast regions in Army recruitment efforts.

Musa enjoined interested individuals from the region to utilise their quota in the Nigerian Army, contribute to national security, and avoid marginalisation in the future.

In 2023, the then Chairman of the Police Service Commission expressed concerns over Southeast’s apathy towards police recruitment, with Anambra at the bottom of the ladder.

Arase claimed that if the zone continued that way, it would be difficult to pay attention to its complaints of marginalisation in the nation’s police.