Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has hailed the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army in Amasiri-Edda, saying it will strengthen security, promote stability and unlock fresh economic opportunities across the South-East.
Nwifuru spoke on Tuesday while receiving the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who paid him a courtesy visit ahead of the maiden Passing Out Parade of recruits at the newly established Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda.
The governor said the new military training institution marks a major development for Ebonyi State and the South-East, stressing that closer cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the state government remains essential to sustaining peace, improving security and supporting national development.
Speaking during the visit, Lieutenant General Shaibu said he was in Ebonyi State to witness the first-ever Passing Out Parade at the depot, describing the event as an important milestone in the Army’s drive to expand and improve its recruit training programme.
He said the establishment of the depot—the first Nigerian Army recruit training depot in the South-East—followed the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen the Army’s operational readiness, increase manpower and ensure a fair spread of military infrastructure across the country.
According to the Army Chief, the facility will train disciplined, professional and combat-ready soldiers capable of tackling the country’s growing security threats.
He added that locating the depot in the South-East reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening security in the region while deepening national integration and building stronger ties between the military and civilians.
Shaibu also commended the Ebonyi State Government for its support to the Nigerian Army and called for closer collaboration in intelligence sharing, civil-military cooperation and the protection of critical national assets.
He said lasting peace depends on sustained cooperation among governments, security agencies and citizens, urging all stakeholders to continue working together to keep the country safe.
Responding, Governor Nwifuru praised the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff and the commitment of officers and soldiers to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and tackling security threats across the country.
He said the improved security situation in Ebonyi State has created a more conducive environment for investment and development, adding that the new depot would strengthen the Army’s manpower base while boosting economic activities, enhancing regional security and promoting national unity.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the Nigerian Army and pledged continued support to enable the force to carry out its constitutional responsibilities effectively.
