Ebonyi Governor Hails Maiden Passing-Out Parade at New Army Depot, Pledges Continued Support to Nigerian Army
By: Zagazola Makama
The Governor of Ebonyi State Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has described the maiden passing-out parade of recruits at the newly established Nigerian Army Recruit Training Depot Amasea as a historic milestone that will strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, deepen national unity and accelerate socio-economic development in the state.
The governor made the remarks on Wednesday during the passing-out parade of the pioneer set of recruits trained at the depot located in Amasiri, in the Edda axis of Ebonyi State.
He said the event marked not only the successful completion of military training by the pioneer recruits but also the realization of a vision conceived to enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army while bringing lasting developmental benefits to Ebonyi State and the country at large.
According to the governor, the establishment of the recruit training depot represents a major milestone for the Nigerian Army, Ebonyi State and Nigeria, noting that it would strengthen national security while creating opportunities for economic growth, infrastructure development, peace and stability.
He recalled that when the proposal to establish the depot in Ebonyi was first presented, the state government immediately embraced it because of its strategic importance to national security and the immense benefits it would bring to the people of the state.
The governor said what began as a bold vision through the donation of land by the Ebonyi State Government and host communities had now become a reality with the successful graduation of the first set of professionally trained soldiers.
“We are now witnessing the first fruits of that vision through these splendid, well-trained and professionally groomed young men and women who are prepared to serve our fatherland with honour, courage and dedication,” he said.
He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the depot and providing the resources required for its successful take-off.
According to him, the President’s approval demonstrates the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture and enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
The governor described the establishment of the depot in the South-East as a landmark achievement that reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to national inclusiveness, unity and balanced development.
He also paid tribute to the leadership of the Nigerian Army, particularly the Chief of Army Staff, for believing in Ebonyi State and accepting the state’s contribution towards the Army’s transformation agenda.
The governor commended the Nigerian Army for investing substantial resources, expertise and time in transforming the donated land into a modern recruit training institution.
He noted that the Army’s decision to locate the depot in Ebonyi represented a strong vote of confidence in the state and its people.
Beyond its primary responsibility of producing soldiers for national service, the governor said the depot had already begun to deliver significant benefits to the host communities through improved security, increased economic activities, infrastructure development and stronger civil-military relations.
He described soldiers as valued partners in development and nation-building rather than strangers to the communities in which they serve.
The governor assured the Nigerian Army of Ebonyi State’s continued support, pledging that the government would sustain a peaceful and conducive environment for military training and operations while promoting harmonious coexistence between soldiers and host communities.
He said the donation of land marked only the beginning of a long-term partnership built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to building a safer Ebonyi State and a stronger Nigeria.
The governor also commended traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of the host communities for maintaining cordial relations with the Nigerian Army since the groundbreaking of the project.
He urged them to sustain the cooperation by supporting the commandant, officers and soldiers of the depot and embracing the institution as an integral part of the Ebonyi community.
Addressing fellow governors in the South-East, government officials and development partners, the governor stressed that security remains the foundation for sustainable development.
He said continued investment in institutions such as the recruit training depot represents an investment in peace, national unity and economic prosperity.
He pledged that Ebonyi State would continue to complement the Federal Government’s efforts in strengthening security institutions while supporting initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of military personnel.
The governor congratulated the pioneer recruits for successfully completing what he described as a rigorous and demanding training programme.
He reminded them that the journey ahead would be challenging but equally honourable, urging them to uphold the values of integrity, discipline, professionalism and patriotism throughout their military careers.
“As you march from these parade grounds to various formations across the country, always remember the solemn oath you have taken to defend our great nation, its Constitution and its flag,” he said.
