By LUCY OSUIZIGBO-OKECHUKWU

Brig.-Gen. Uche Nnabuihe has raised concern over low enlistment from the South-East, revealing Anambra recorded only 117 applications out of 38,000 nationwide.

Nnabuihe led an Army delegation to sensitise youths in Awka, noting the figure was recorded on April 7, before a nationwide awareness campaign began.

He said the exercise aimed to encourage more youths from Anambra and the South-East to join the 91 Regular Recruits Intake before the May 27 deadline.

“We observed with concern that out of 38,000 applications received nationwide, only 117 came from Anambra as of April 7.

“This sensitisation is to correct that imbalance and encourage our youths to take advantage of opportunities in the Nigerian Army,” he said.

Nnabuihe urged eligible youths to apply, noting the Army offers a structured career path and opportunities for national service.

Lt.-Col. Ogbemudia Osawe said training infrastructure had expanded, with new institutions in Abakaliki and Osogbo to accommodate incoming recruits.

Osawe listed benefits, including career progression, regular pay, continuous military education, specialised training, and exposure to diverse cultures.

He added personnel enjoy welfare packages, free medical care for families, pensions, gratuities, and opportunities for international assignments.

Permanent Secretary, Anambra Ministry of Youths, Ifeatu Emodi, commended the initiative, describing military enlistment as crucial for South-East youths.

Emodi said declining interest among youths stemmed from misconceptions and misinformation about the Army.

Traditional ruler, Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche of Enugwu-Agidi, praised the Army’s welfare structure and urged youths to enlist for better regional representation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the sensitisation held at the Ministry of Youths in Awka, attracting a cross-section of young people. (NAN)

By IHECHINYERE CHIGEMERI-UWOM

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the death of a U.S.-based Nigerian physician, Dr Uzoma Nwaubani, who was in the state for a medical mission.

Otti, in a condolence message signed by him and issued on Friday in Umuahia, said that he received the news of her passing with shock, describing her as a dedicated and compassionate medical practitioner.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State Government in collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) organised a five-day free medical outreach that held from April 13 to April 17.

The governor noted that the late Nwaubani was a member of the association and had returned to Nigeria with her husband and daughter, a final-year medical student in the United States, to provide free medical services to residents of Abia.

He said that while participating in the ongoing medical outreach, she developed a medical emergency and was immediately taken to a hospital.

According to him, a team of ANPA and local medical experts worked together to provide urgent critical care in a bid to save her life.

“Despite the gallant efforts of the highly skilled medical team to resuscitate her, she could not make it,” Otti said.

The governor extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, her loved ones, and members of ANPA, adding that the state government was already in communication with her family and the leadership of the association.

He promised that the government would provide the necessary support to the bereaved family and ANPA during the period of mourning.

Otti also commended the family of the late doctor and ANPA for allowing the medical mission to continue in spite of the loss.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the health and well-being of residents and visitors to the state.

The governor prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for strength for her family to bear the loss. (NAN)

Gunmen on Thursday night ambushed and beheaded a 30-year-old man, Elisha Abbas Saku, at Riwhie-Chwo in Nzharuvo, Miango District of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred around 10 pm when the gunmen stormed the community, throwing residents into panic and confusion.

A statement issued on Friday by the Irigwe Youth Movement described the killing as a brutal ambush.

The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Yonkpa, who signed the statement, prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul while calling for divine comfort for the entire Irigwe Nation.

“Yesterday night, 16th April 2026, gunmen ambushed and beheaded Mr. Elisha Abbas Saku, 30 years old, at Riwhie-Chwo, Nzharuvo, Miango District of Bassa LGA, Plateau State,” the report stated. “May his soul rest in peace, and may God comfort the entire Irigwe Nation.”