Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has urged Igbo youths to rise and take up their rightful place in defence of the country by enlisting in the Nigeria Army.

He regretted that the Southeast’s quota in the Military has continued to remain poorly utilised.

The Army Chief stated this in his address at the maiden passing out parade of the 90th regular recruits intake at the Amasiri – Edda Depot in Ebonyi State.

The recruits are the first set to be trained at the depot established November 25, 2025. It is the third depot of the Nigeria Army and the first in Southeast Nigeria. The other two are in Zaria and Oshogbo.

Shuaibu explained that a total of 3,011 intakes were received to the depot at commencement of the training while only 2, 989 made it to the end.

According to him, the graduating number was part of the 14, 000 1st batch that will eventually make up the total of 28,000 new recruits approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the federal government’s armed forces expansion initiative.

He noted that the siting of the depot in Ebonyi is a demonstration of the federal government’s commitment to foster national cohesion and ensure even development across the country, adding that the event represented another strategic repositioning of the Nigerian army to systematically confront the nation’s security challenges.

He assured that the Nigeria Army would continue to review its training curriculum to confront contemporary security challenges, and urged community leaders, parents, guardians, and others in the south east zone to encourage their young men and women to take the depot as their own and step out to serve.

“To Ndi-Igbo, I wish to urge you to encourage your youths to take up their rightful place in the defence of our fatherland.

“For sometime now, the recruitment quota for this zone have not been fully utilised. That should not continue.

“Military service is not just a career but an honourable endeavor of patriotism, leadership and national contribution”, he said.

Speaking to the recruits, Shaibu urged them to be good ambassadors of the Army in their various areas of posting, respect social media policy to avoid grave sanctions and operate within the tenets of human rights principles.

“As you proceed into the field, remember that the Nigerian people will look up to you not only as defenders of the nation but as symbols of hope, courage and national unity.

“When you took the oath of allegiance you pledged to defend Nigeria with your life.Those words among others, are not mere ceremonial requirements but a solemn vow between you and our dear country.

“Wear your uniforms with pride, carry your weapons with responsibility, treat your comrades with respect and serve your commanders with loyalty” he admonished.

While appreciating Ebonyi for donating the land for the depot, the Army Chief commended President Tinubu for his commitment in repositioning the Nigeria’s Military forces, adding: “the federal government more than ever is investing in defence industries, local production and technology to reduce dependence on imports and ensure adequate support for troops”.

Governor Francis Nwifuru, the special guest at the event described the ceremony as a significant milestone, not only for the Nigerian Army but also for Ebonyi State and the nation in general.

He said It represented the successful realization of a vision that will strengthen the national security architecture, while creating new opportunities for socio-economic development, security, stability and prosperity of Ebonyi State.

He paid tribute to President Tinubu, the Nigeria Army for believing in Ebonyi state, pledging that the state government “will complement the efforts of the Nigerian Army in constructing Emergency Ward, Main Hospital and Admin Block, Maternity Ward, Morgue, Recruit’s Wards, Walkways and Generator House, 2 X AC/DC Solar Powered Boreholes (50,000 litres capacity each) and Theatre at the Army Depot.

He noted that beyond its primary responsibility of training soldiers for national service the establishment of the Depot has already begun to yield immense benefits in terms of enhanced security, stimulation of economic activities, improved infrastructure and fostering of stronger civil-military relations.

While congratulating the graduating recruits for successfully completing a rigorous period of training that has prepared them for the noble responsibility of defending the nation, he reminded them of the demanding, but honourable and fulfilling journey ahead, and urged them to brace up to the challenges.

“As you march from this parade ground to various formations across the country, always remember the solemn oath you have taken to defend Nigeria, her Constitution and her people.

“Let integrity, discipline, professionalism and patriotism guide your conduct at all times.

“Serve with honour; Serve with courage; Serve with loyalty.

“Above all, place the interest of our nation above every personal consideration” the Governor admonished.

The event featured passing out parade and presentation of awards to outstanding commanders and recruits.

The Governors of Imo and Abia states were represented at the event by their deputies while the Speaker of Enugu state House of Assembly, Uche Ugwu, represented Governor Peter Mba.