By Halimah Olamide
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has declared that the training of the 6000 recruits at the Depot Nigerian Army (NA), Zaria, form a crucial part of Nigerian Army’s solution to the security challenges confronting the nation.
Gen Lagbaja made the assertion while addressing young recruits after reviewing the Passing Out Parade of the 86th Regular Recruits Intake at the RSM Hama-Kim Parade Ground, Depot Nigerian Army on Saturday 15 June 2024.
Elucidating further, the Army Chief clarified that “the young recruits of Depot Nigerian Army, we are here to pass out today, will form part of Nigerian Army’s solution to the challenge of insurgency in the North East, banditry and cattle rustling in the North West, farmers-herders clashes in the North Central, secessionists agitations and cultism in the South East, militancy and vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure in the South South and South West”.
According to him, the young soldiers will be exposed to advance military training to sharpen their newly acquired skills, adding, that the Nigerian Army has put in place a series of post-Depot courses and training packages to help the soldiers master the array of weapons and equipment in the Nigerian Army’s inventory, as well as other special soldiering skills to become more proficient in the art of war.
Ne further assured that the Army is equally improving existing welfare packages to cater for their quartering, medical, recreational, and educational needs, as well as ensure their career fulfillment.
Admonishing the soldiers, the Army Chief avered that their statutory responsibility is to defend and, if need be, pay the supreme price for the nation.
He charged them to be ready to go wherever and whenever they are ordered to, by land, sea, or air in defence of the nation, stressing, that the noble profession of arms is a commitment to relegate personal comfort and assume duty to country as the primary concern.
“By becoming a soldier, you have accepted the highest call to duty and to abide by the requirements of exceptional discipline, loyalty, integrity, and dedication to duty, all of which are values that have guided your training”, the COAS stated. Gen Lagbaja charged the young soldiers not to disappoint the Nigerian Army and the country’s expectations.
The COAS expressed appreciation to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his strategic guidance and unwavering support to the NA. He equally extended his gratitude to the members of the National Assembly, Minister of Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their goodwill and support.
After six months of rigorous training at the Depot, four Passing Out Recruits emerged award winners amongst their peers.
The Chief of Army Staff Award, in honour of the overall best recruit was clinched by Recruit Odo Maurice of Alfa Training Company, while the Chief of Training (Army) Award went to Recruit Obasekemi Ibrahim of Echo Training Company. Recruit Onyema Ozioma of Hotel Training Company bagged the Chief of Administration (Army)Award and the Commandant Depot NA Award was received by Recruit Abubakar Mubarak of Echo Training Company.
The COAS also took some time out to commission 40 remodeled and renovated flats for accommodation of Corporal below in Chindit Barracks.
The very well attended event was graced by the Governor of Kaduna State, represented by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, His Royal Highness Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zauzzau, President Nigerian Army Officers Wives’ Association Mrs Mariya Lagbaja, General Officer Commanding 1 Division NA, Principal Staff Officers
from the Army Headquarters, Formation Commanders, Commandants of NA training institutions, families, and friends of the Passing Out Recruits.