Brig.-Gen. Chima Ekeator, the leader, Army Force Headquarters Recruitment Sensitisation Team, Anambra, says only 200 youths from the South-East have registered for the ongoing army recruitment in the country.

Ekeator made the disclosure at a sensitisation organised for youth leaders and president-generals (P-Gs) of different communities in the state.

He said there was a need to encourage youths in the various communities to take part in the exercise.

“This sensitisation is necessary because, according to records, only 200 persons have registered from the South-East, while in other states, not less than 4000 persons have registered.

“We are calling on youth leaders and P-Gs to go to their communities to talk to the youths and encourage them to take part in the recruitment.

“Increased youth participation will enhance the representation of the South-East in the force, ensuring that the region’s quota is fully utilised,” Mr Ekeator said.

In a remark, the Anambra Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, gave assurance that the government would continue to sensitise the youths to show interest in the exercise.

Soludo, represented by the commissioner for youth development, Patrick Aghambah, urged traditional rulers and P-Gs to collaborate in mobilising 10 youths each from their communities to join the army through the ongoing recruitment.

The commissioner, local government, chieftaincy and community affairs, Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne, said the recruitment targeted youths between ages 18 and 22 and encouraged them to enroll in the Army.