Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has formally handed over 618 hectares of land for the construction of a Nigerian Army Training Depot, marking a major boost to security infrastructure in the South-East region of Nigeria.
The land handover took place during a groundbreaking ceremony at the proposed site located along the boundary between Amangwu community in Edda Local Government Area and Amasiri in Afikpo North Local Government Area.
Governor Nwifuru described the project as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening security, promoting peaceful coexistence, and deepening civil-military relations with host communities. He urged residents of Amangwu and Amasiri, as well as personnel of the Nigerian Army, to uphold professionalism, discipline and mutual respect to ensure harmonious living.
According to the governor, the establishment of the Army depot was approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that it represents a historic step toward addressing long-standing security and inclusion concerns in the South-East.
“This project is a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to equity, fairness and national integration,” Nwifuru said, adding that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He further explained that the Ebonyi Army Training Depot would complement existing military facilities in Kaduna and Osogbo, enhance manpower development, improve operational preparedness, and strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond to evolving security challenges nationwide.
Governor Nwifuru also highlighted the expected economic and social benefits, including job creation, infrastructure growth and increased commercial activities across Ebonyi State and neighbouring areas. He assured the Nigerian Army of the state government’s unwavering support, stressing that the land was donated solely for the establishment of the training facility.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division and Commander Joint Task Force South-East, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, said the new depot forms part of the Army’s broader strategy to expand training capacity and strengthen manpower.
He noted that Nigeria’s security landscape has become increasingly complex, making the expansion of training facilities imperative. According to him, the Ebonyi depot will significantly improve the Army’s preparedness and operational effectiveness.
Major General Fadairo commended the Ebonyi State Government and host communities for their cooperation, emphasizing that effective security delivery requires strong collaboration between the military and civilians.
Chairmen of Edda Local Government Area, Prince Chima Ekumankama, and Afikpo North Local Government Area, Mr Timothy Nwachi, described the project as a source of renewed hope that would help resolve lingering boundary disputes between neighbouring communities.
They pledged lasting peace, full community support and protection of the facility, while expressing appreciation to President Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Chief of Army Staff for siting the Army training depot in their area.
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