By IHECHINYERE CHIGEMERI-UWOM

The Nigerian Army has urged South-East youths to enlist, saying stronger regional participation would promote national unity and ensure fair representation in the armed forces.

Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Etsu-Ndagi, made the call on Thursday during a sensitisation campaign on Army careers in Umuahia.

The campaign, with the theme ‘Guardian of the Nation: A Clarion Call’, highlighted opportunities available to young Nigerians willing to pursue careers in the military.

Etsu-Ndagi described South-East youths as creative, resilient and hardworking, urging them to seize opportunities within the Nigerian Army.

He said the military remained a noble profession capable of transforming lives and offering individuals a secure and rewarding future.

He, however, expressed concern over the low level of interest shown by youths from the region during military recruitment exercises.

Etsu-Ndagi urged them to overcome apathy and embrace the opportunity to serve the nation through military service.

“There is no greater service than laying down one’s life in defence of the country.

“The Nigerian Army offers a path to growth and personal development. We have engineers, doctors, lawyers and ICT experts.

“You also have the opportunity to tour states across Nigeria during service and travel abroad for training,” he said.

Abia Governor, Alex Otti, also encouraged youths in the zone to consider military service and be ready to defend the nation when required.

Otti said his administration had recorded significant developmental strides and remained committed to sustaining socioeconomic progress through progressive policies and programmes.

Guest speaker Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibisi (rtd) recounted joining the military as a young man in spite of strong discouragement from his community after the Nigerian Civil War.

Chibisi said resilience and determination helped him rise to the rank of Major General during his military career.

He added that his service enabled him to visit 21 countries and serve Nigeria in various capacities.

Chibisi also shared experiences from peacekeeping missions in Sierra Leone and surviving an ambush in Borno.

He urged South-East youths not to be discouraged by negative media reports about the military.

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

Abia Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, also urged youths to overcome their reluctance toward military service.

He advised them to ensure that recruitment quotas allocated to South-East states were fully utilised.

Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Aghukwa, said Nigeria’s future depended on disciplined and visionary young leaders.

Aghukwa described military service as a noble calling that builds resilience, shapes character and instils lifelong values.

Commander of the Nigerian Army 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Brig.-Gen. Ahmad Dikko, said recruitment followed equal quota allocations for all states.

Dikko noted that several South-East states often failed to fill their quotas due to long-standing apathy toward military service.

He urged youths to enrol in large numbers during future recruitment exercises to promote equal representation and national unity.

Traditional rulers, security agencies, civil society groups, media influencers and members of the Abia executive council also attended the event. (NAN)