Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has appealed to the Nigerian Army to release about 982.7 hectares of its land in Abakaliki to facilitate the expansion and orderly development of the Ebonyi State capital.
The governor made the appeal on Wednesday during the passing-out parade of the pioneer recruits of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda in Afikpo and Edda Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State.
Nwifuru said the request was in appreciation of the Army's decision to establish the recruit training depot in the state, describing the institution as a strategic national asset that would strengthen Nigeria's security architecture while accelerating socio-economic development in Ebonyi.
"We wish to make a very formidable request from our dear state to the Nigerian Army. The request is for a portion of Army land measuring 982.7 hectares at Abakaliki for effective and orderly development of the capital city," the governor said.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the depot and providing the resources for its take-off, saying the decision underscored the Federal government's commitment to strengthening national security.
According to him, the establishment of the training institution has already begun to yield dividends through improved security, economic activities, infrastructure development and stronger civil-military relations.
"The establishment of this depot has already begun to yield immense benefits. Beyond training soldiers for national service, it will significantly enhance security, stimulate economic activities, improve infrastructure and foster stronger civil-military relationships," Nwifuru stated.
The governor assured the Nigerian Army of the state's continued support, promising to sustain a peaceful and conducive environment for military operations and harmonious coexistence with host communities.
He also appealed to the Army authorities to facilitate the completion and equipping of the Nigerian Army Referral Hospital being constructed in Ebonyi to serve the state and the entire South-East region.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, urged youths from the South-East geopolitical zone to embrace military service, expressing concern that the region had consistently failed to utilise its recruitment quota.
"For some time now, the recruitment quota from this zone has not been fully utilised. This should not continue," Shaibu said.
He described military service as "an honourable endeavour of patriotism, leadership and national contribution," and called on parents, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to encourage eligible youths to enlist in the Nigerian Army.
The Army Chief noted that the passing-out parade marked the graduation of the pioneer recruits trained at the newly established Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, the first primary military recruit training institution in the South-East and the third recruit depot in the country.
He disclosed that the graduating soldiers formed part of the first batch of 14,000 recruits under President Tinubu's Strategic Force Expansion Initiative, which aims to raise 28,000 additional personnel for the Nigerian Army.
Shaibu said the expansion was designed to strengthen the Army's capacity to tackle terrorism, insurgency, banditry, separatist violence, cyber threats and other emerging security challenges confronting the country.
He also warned the new soldiers against violating the Nigerian Army's social media policy.
"The unauthorised posting of operational information, images of military activities and sensitive locations constitutes a serious breach of regulations. Violations can and will attract disciplinary action, including dismissal from service where necessary," he warned.
The Army Chief commended Governor Nwifuru for supporting the establishment of the depot, stating that the governor had "written his name in gold" as one of the founding fathers of the institution.
He equally charged the new soldiers to uphold discipline, professionalism, loyalty and respect for human rights as they begin their military careers across various formations nationwide.
Our correspondent reports that a total of 3,011 candidates commenced training at the new depot, while 2,989 successfully completed the rigorous military training and graduated during the passing-out parade.
