Senator Emma Nwachukwu has urged Igbo youths to pursue careers in the Nigerian Armed Forces, warning that low enlistment could leave the South-East with inadequate representation among military officers in the coming years.
The senator representing Anambra South made the appeal while addressing constituents at his country home in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. He identified concerns about deployment to areas affected by Boko Haram insurgency as one of the factors discouraging young people from joining the military.
Vanguard reported that Nwachukwu, drawing on his interactions with youths, said fears of being posted to insurgency-hit areas had contributed to their reluctance to enlist. He called on the media, community leaders and other stakeholders to encourage eligible young people to take advantage of recruitment opportunities in the military and other security agencies.
He warned that continued low participation could result in fewer officers of Igbo origin serving in the Army, Navy and Air Force, potentially intensifying complaints about marginalisation. He said social media had been used to promote recruitment, but broader media engagement was necessary to reach more prospective applicants.
Turning to the 2027 general elections, Nwachukwu said the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was targeting victory in all 44 legislative seats it intends to contest in Anambra State. The party plans to field candidates for three Senate seats, 11 House of Representatives seats and 30 State House of Assembly seats. He expressed confidence in APGA’s prospects, citing Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s performance and the party’s preparations for the polls.
The senator also sought another term in the Senate, asking Anambra South constituents to support his re-election bid. He cited efforts to improve cooperation between federal lawmakers from the state and the state government, as well as initiatives to secure employment for youths, arguing that another term would allow him to continue ongoing projects and programmes.
