Odita Sunday 
Ebonyi governor hails Army depot in Amasiri as boost to security, regional development
By Odita Sunday
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army in Amasiri-Edda as a strategic milestone that will strengthen national security, promote regional stability and stimulate 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, according to the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Nwifuru said the establishment of the military training institution would deepen security in the region and further strengthen collaboration between the Ebonyi State Government and the Nigerian Army in promoting peace and development.
Speaking during the visit, Lieutenant General Shaibu said he was in Ebonyi State to witness the maiden Passing Out Parade of recruits at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, describing the event as a historic milestone in the ongoing transformation of the Army’s training and force generation system.
The Army Chief explained that the depot, the first of its kind in the South-East geopolitical zone, was established in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance the Nigerian 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 produce disciplined, professional and combat-ready soldiers capable of addressing emerging security threats across the country.
According to Shaibu, locating the depot in the South-East underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening security presence in the region while promoting trust, inclusion and stronger civil-military relations.
The COAS commended the Ebonyi State Government for its support to the Nigerian Army and called for greater collaboration in intelligence sharing, civil-military cooperation and the protection of critical national assets.
He stressed that achieving sustainable peace and security requires 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 Nigeria’s sovereignty and maintaining internal security.
He noted that the prevailing peace in Ebonyi State had created an enabling environment for development and investment, attributing part of the success to the contributions of the Nigerian Army.
The governor described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, as a landmark achievement for Ebonyi State and the South-East, expressing confidence that it would strengthen the Army’s manpower capacity, improve regional security, stimulate economic activities and foster national unity.
Nwifuru also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining a strong partnership with the Nigerian Army and pledged continued support towards the effective discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
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