Ebonyi Governor Hails Army Depot as Strategic Boost to National Security

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army in Amasiri-Edda as a major milestone that will strengthen national security, enhance regional stability and stimulate socio-economic development across the South-East.

Governor Nwifuru made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving the 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.

According to a statement issued by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the governor stressed the need for sustained collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the Ebonyi State Government to consolidate peace, improve security and promote national development.

Speaking during the visit, the Chief of Army Staff said his visit to Ebonyi was to witness the first Passing Out Parade of recruits at the depot, describing the event as a historic milestone in the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Army's training and force generation architecture.

Shaibu explained that the depot, the first of its kind in Nigeria's South-East geopolitical zone, was established in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen the Army's operational readiness, expand manpower generation and promote national integration through the equitable distribution of military infrastructure.

He described the facility as a strategic national asset that would play a critical role in producing disciplined, professional and combat-ready soldiers capable of tackling emerging security threats. He added that locating the depot in the South-East demonstrates the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening security in the region while fostering trust, inclusion and stronger civil-military relations.

The Army chief commended the Ebonyi State Government for its continued support to the Nigerian Army 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 could only be achieved through collective efforts involving government institutions, security agencies and citizens.

Responding, Governor Nwifuru praised the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff and the commitment of Nigerian Army personnel to protecting the country's sovereignty and maintaining internal security.

He acknowledged the Army's role in sustaining peace in Ebonyi State, noting that the prevailing security situation has created an enabling environment for economic growth and development.

The governor described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, as a landmark achievement for both Ebonyi State and the South-East, expressing confidence that the institution would strengthen the Army's manpower capacity, boost local economic activities, improve regional security and promote national unity.

He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the Nigerian Army and pledged continued support to enable the military to effectively carry out its constitutional responsibilities.