GOVERNORS NWIFURU AND OTTI RESTATE RESOLVE ON NATIONAL SECURITY AS EBONYI DEPOT GRADUATES PIONEER ARMY RECRUITS

The Abia State Government has described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, as a landmark investment that will strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, promote regional development, and foster lasting peace across the South-East.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, at the maiden Passing-Out Parade of the pioneer recruits of the 90 Regular Intake yesterday, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, said security remains the bedrock upon which sustainable economic growth and investment are built.

According to him, the present administration in Abia is committed to sustaining strong collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in ensuring a peaceful and secure environment that encourages business, investment, and social development.

Engr. Emetu commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his visionary leadership in expanding the Army’s training capacity and modernising military institutions across the country. He also applauded the Federal Government for establishing the first primary military training depot in the South-East, describing the initiative as a demonstration of national inclusion, unity, and balanced development.

The event also witnessed a passionate appeal by the Chief of Army Staff to youths from the South-East to take advantage of opportunities to serve the nation through enlistment into the Nigerian Army. Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed concern that recruitment quotas allocated to the region have consistently remained underutilised despite available opportunities.

He disclosed that the graduating recruits constitute the first batch of 14,000 personnel under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic military expansion programme, which aims to recruit a total of 28,000 new soldiers to strengthen the nation’s defence capabilities.

Addressing the newly graduated soldiers, the Army Chief charged them to uphold discipline, professionalism, loyalty, and patriotism throughout their careers. He emphasised strict compliance with human rights principles, the Armed Forces’ Rules of Engagement, and responsible use of social media, warning that any unauthorised disclosure of operational information would attract severe disciplinary measures, including dismissal.

Lieutenant General Shaibu further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel through better accommodation, healthcare services, enhanced training, modern equipment, and increased investment in local defence production.

Host Governor, Barr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, described the establishment of the Army depot as a historic milestone with enormous benefits for both Ebonyi State and Nigeria. He noted that the institution would strengthen security, stimulate economic activities, improve infrastructure, and promote stronger civil-military relations.

Governor Nwifuru also appealed for the speedy completion of the proposed Nigerian Military Reference Hospital in Ebonyi State and requested the release of approximately 982.7 hectares of Army land in Abakaliki to support urban expansion, while pledging continued support for the military through investments in healthcare and other critical facilities.

The colourful ceremony featured impressive slow and quick march-pasts by the pioneer recruits, presentation of awards to outstanding recruits and instructors, as well as the conferment of the traditional title “Omeudo I” on the Chief of Army Staff by the Ebonyi State Council of Traditional Rulers in recognition of his contributions to peace and national security.

The event attracted serving and retired military officers, senior government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community, captains of industry, and families of the graduating recruits, underscoring its significance as a major milestone in Nigeria’s defence and security landscape.