Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu for his commitment to strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army through the expansion of military training infrastructure across the country.
Governor Otti gave the commendation during the Passing-Out Parade of the 90th Regular Recruit Intake held at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State. The governor was represented at the event by his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu.
The ceremony marked the successful completion of military training by the pioneer recruits of the newly established Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda—the first primary military recruit training institution located in Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone.
Representing Governor Otti, Deputy Governor Emetu described the establishment of the depot as a strategic national investment that would significantly enhance military training capacity, strengthen civil-military relations and reinforce Nigeria’s security architecture.
He stressed that security remains the bedrock of sustainable development, reaffirming the commitment of the Abia State Government to sustained collaboration with security agencies in promoting peace, security and stability across Abia State and the South-East region.
Governor Otti further commended the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff in modernising military training facilities, while also applauding the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and the people of the state for partnering with the Nigerian Army to establish the training institution.
In his keynote address, the Chief of Army Staff described the occasion as a historic milestone for the Nigerian Army and the nation, noting that the establishment of the Amasiri-Edda Depot reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to national cohesion, equitable development and enhanced military preparedness.
He explained that the depot, established on November 25, 2025, was strategically located in the South-East to complement the existing recruit training depots and ease operational pressure on training facilities in other parts of the country.
The Army Chief disclosed that the graduating recruits constitute the first batch of 14,000 personnel approved under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic force expansion initiative, which aims to recruit a total of 28,000 soldiers to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the strategic direction and resources that made the establishment of the depot possible, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s resolve to build a more professional, disciplined and combat-ready Nigerian Army.
Addressing the newly enlisted soldiers, the Chief of Army Staff charged them to remain disciplined, loyal and committed to their constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He urged the recruits to uphold professionalism, respect human rights, adhere strictly to the rules of engagement and avoid the misuse of social media, warning that unauthorized disclosure of operational information could attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including dismissal from service.
He also called on parents, traditional rulers and community leaders in the South-East to encourage more young men and women to enlist in the Nigerian Army, noting that recruitment quotas allocated to the region have consistently remained underutilised.
Earlier in his remarks, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, described the passing-out parade as the fulfilment of a shared vision between the Ebonyi State Government and the Nigerian Army.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting military institutions through strategic partnerships, infrastructure development and initiatives aimed at strengthening national security.
The event featured colourful slow and quick march-pasts by the graduating recruits, demonstration of military drills and weapon proficiency, presentation of awards to outstanding recruits and instructors, as well as the conferment of the traditional title “Okpeudo” on the Chief of Army Staff in recognition of his contributions to national security and military development.
(The Whistler)
