Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, as a major step toward strengthening national security, enhancing regional stability and accelerating socio-economic development in the South-East.
The governor made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, during a courtesy visit to the Government House ahead of the maiden Passing Out Parade of recruits at the newly established depot.
Nwifuru stressed the importance of sustained collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the Ebonyi State Government in consolidating peace, improving security and advancing national development.
Speaking during the visit, the COAS said his trip to Ebonyi was to witness the first Passing Out Parade at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, describing the event as a landmark in the Nigerian Army’s ongoing transformation of its training and force generation system.
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that the depot, the first Nigerian Army recruit training facility in the South-East, was established in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance the Army’s operational readiness, expand manpower generation and ensure equitable distribution of military infrastructure across the country.
He described the facility as a strategic national asset that will produce disciplined, professional and combat-ready soldiers capable of responding to emerging security threats. According to him, its location in the South-East also reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening security in the region while promoting inclusion, trust and stronger civil-military relations.
The Army chief commended the Ebonyi State Government for its continued support to the military and called for greater collaboration in intelligence sharing, civil-military cooperation and the protection of critical national assets.
He maintained that lasting peace and security require coordinated efforts by government institutions, security agencies and citizens.
In his response, Governor Nwifuru applauded the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff and the sacrifices of Nigerian Army personnel in defending the country’s sovereignty and maintaining internal security. He noted that the improved security situation in Ebonyi State has created an enabling environment for development.
The governor described the new Army depot as a landmark project for Ebonyi State and the South-East, expressing confidence that it would strengthen the Army’s manpower capacity, stimulate economic activities, improve regional security and foster national unity.
He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the Nigerian Army and pledged continued support for the military in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
