The Ebonyi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Nigerian Army in promoting national security, peace and sustainable development following a state banquet held in honour of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, in Abakaliki.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on Tuesday hosted the COAS, his wife and senior military officers to the state banquet, underscoring the enduring collaboration between the state government and the Nigerian Army.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Nwifuru commended the Nigerian Army for its sacrifices in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and maintaining peace across the country.
The governor described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, as a strategic national asset that would strengthen the Army’s force generation and operational readiness while reinforcing the security architecture of the South-East.
“The establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, is a strategic national asset that will not only strengthen the Army’s force generation and operational readiness but also reinforce the security architecture in the South-East,” the governor said, while assuring the Army of the state’s continued support.
In his remarks, Lieutenant General Shaibu expressed appreciation to the Ebonyi State Government and the people of the state for their support towards the successful establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda.
He said the institution would significantly enhance manpower development, improve training standards and strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond effectively to emerging security threats.
“The Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, will significantly enhance manpower development, improve training standards and strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to effectively respond to emerging security threats in line with its constitutional responsibilities,” the COAS stated.
Lieutenant General Shaibu also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining both kinetic and non-kinetic operations through intelligence-driven engagements, robust civil-military cooperation and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies and local communities.
“Enduring security can only be achieved through collective action and mutual trust between the military and the citizens,” he added.
The banquet attracted senior government officials, traditional rulers, security stakeholders and other distinguished guests, with cultural performances and goodwill messages highlighting the shared commitment of the Ebonyi State Government and the Nigerian Army to deepen strategic collaboration in promoting national unity, regional stability and lasting peace.
