The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Wednesday passed out more than 3,000 newly trained recruits at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State.
The passing-out parade, according to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to boost the Army’s manpower to address prevailing security challenges across the country.
The statement was titled, “COAS passes out another 3,000 recruits, sustains massive recruitment drive to strengthen national defence.”
Anele said the graduation followed recent recruit passing-out ceremonies at the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna State, and the newly established training depot in Osogbo, Osun State.
Addressing the recruits, Shaibu said their training had been designed to prepare them for modern warfare and Nigeria’s evolving security environment.
He urged them to uphold discipline, professionalism and loyalty to the Constitution.
“The nation has made substantial investments in your training and expects you to justify that trust through courage, professionalism and selfless service,” the COAS said.
He also charged the recruits to remain vigilant, disciplined and mission-oriented, stressing that their loyalty to the Constitution and constituted authority must remain unwavering.
Shaibu described the establishment of the Amasiri-Edda Depot as a strategic step towards strengthening the Army’s training infrastructure and manpower development.
He commended the depot’s commandant, instructors and support staff for producing what he described as competent and combat-ready soldiers capable of contributing effectively to ongoing military operations nationwide.
Also speaking, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, described the siting of the depot in the state as a critical national asset.
He said the facility had improved security, stimulated economic activities and created opportunities for residents of Ebonyi State and neighbouring communities.
Nwifuru reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Armed Forces and other security agencies in promoting peace, stability and development.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers, government officials, traditional rulers, families of the recruits and other dignitaries.
It featured a parade, precision drills and the presentation of awards to outstanding recruits.