Gov. Nwifuru Hands Over 618 Hectares to Nigerian Army, Urges Peaceful Coexistence with Host Communities
By Ikenyim Eucharia
The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has officially handed over 618.26 hectares of land to the Nigerian Army for the establishment of a Nigerian Army Training Depot for the South-East Zone, urging the military to maintain peaceful and cordial relations with host communities.
The land, located at Amasiri/Amangwu Edda in Afikpo/Edda Local Government Area, is demarcated by border verges under Land Number EBF018A and Tracing Number EBCF010A. The handover took place during a groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed facility.
Governor Nwifuru called on stakeholders across the South-East, particularly residents of Ebonyi State, to support the Federal Government’s efforts in tackling insecurity and to cooperate with security agencies to ensure lasting peace and stability.
“Let me seize this opportunity to urge all stakeholders of South-Eastern extraction, and indeed Ebonyians, to continue supporting the Federal Government’s security initiatives and to cooperate with security agencies to ensure enduring peace and stability across the country,” the governor said.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the training depot in Ebonyi State, describing the decision as a clear demonstration of the President’s commitment to fairness, equity, justice, and national integration.
Governor Nwifuru said he was optimistic that the presence of the Army training facility would help resolve lingering communal tensions in the area and restore peace between affected communities. He also appealed to the Nigerian Army to maintain a cordial relationship with residents to ensure peace and harmony within the state.
According to him, the project will bring significant economic and social benefits to Ebonyi State and neighbouring areas, including job creation, infrastructural development, enhanced security, and improved civil–military relations.
“On behalf of the entire South-East geopolitical zone, the government, and the good people of Ebonyi State, I sincerely thank Mr President and the Chief of Army Staff for approving the establishment of a brand-new Nigerian Army Depot for the South-East in Ebonyi State,” he added.
The governor further assured the Nigerian Army of the state government’s full support to ensure the successful execution of the project.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force South-East, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, said the establishment of the depot aligns with the Army’s ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening manpower through quality training.
Major General Fadairo thanked the Ebonyi State Government for its consistent support to security agencies, particularly the military, noting that such cooperation is critical to national security and stability.
