Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, as a major boost to national security, regional stability and socio-economic development in the South-East.
The governor made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, during a courtesy visit ahead of the maiden Passing Out Parade of recruits at the newly established depot.
Nwifuru said the new military institution represented a landmark achievement for Ebonyi State and the South-East, expressing confidence that it would strengthen the Nigeria military’s manpower base, improve security, stimulate local economic activities and promote national unity.
He also commended the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff and the commitment of personnel of the Nigeria military to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and tackling internal security challenges.
The governor noted that the improved security situation in Ebonyi State had created an enabling environment for economic growth and development, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustaining a strong partnership with the Nigeria military.
Earlier, Lieutenant General Shaibu said his visit to Ebonyi was to witness the historic maiden Passing Out Parade of recruits at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, describing it as a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the Army’s training and force generation architecture.
He explained that the depot, the first of its kind in the South-East, was established in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen the Army’s operational readiness, expand manpower generation and ensure equitable distribution of military infrastructure across the country.
According to the Army Chief, the new depot is a strategic national asset that will produce disciplined, professional and combat-ready soldiers capable of responding to evolving security threats while strengthening the Federal Government’s security presence in the South-East.
Shaibu also lauded the Ebonyi State Government for its continued support for the Nigeria military and called for stronger collaboration in intelligence sharing, civil-military relations and the protection of critical national assets.
He stressed that lasting peace and security require the collective efforts of governments, security agencies and citizens, urging all stakeholders to sustain cooperation in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
