The Nigerian Army has passed over 6000 recruits of the 85 Regular Recruit Intake (RRI).
The colourful regimental Passing Out Parade (POP) was held on Saturday at the Parade Ground of the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna state.
The statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed that six thousand, three hundred and fifteen (6,315) were passed out after successfully undergoing a painstaking selection process, and reporting for training at the Depot Nigerian Army on 3 June 2023, culminating in today’s POP.
Addressing the Passing out Recruits, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, felicitated with the young soldiers for the successful completion of their training, describing it as qualitative, realistic and tailored to meet contemporary security needs of the country.
Gen Lagbaja reiterated that in tandem with his Command philosophy “to transform the Nigerian Army into a force, well trained, equipped and highly motivated towards achieving its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”, troops’ training and welfare are top most priorities under his command.
He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army will continue to give troops’ training and welfare the priority it deserves, adding that currently emphasis is on the renovation of accommodation facilities that are in deplorable states, while efforts are also being made to provide additional ones.
“Our soldiers deserve the best accommodation we can provide, when they are not in the frontline as incentives for their sacrifices.”
The COAS also maintained that under his stewardship, the Nigerian Army is improving its medical facilities, to make them more suitable to handle all battle casualties arising from operational engagements.
The Army Chief reminded the young soldiers, that soldiering is a life of sacrifice to country, allegiance to defend and if need be, pay the supreme price.
“As you pass out today, you have accepted the highest call to duty, any Nigerian can take up” Lagbaja declared.
In the presentation of awards that followed, the Indian Training Company among others, emerged the Champion Company and received the Depot Nigerian Army Champion Banner, while, Recruit Abdullahi Abubakar bagged the Chief of Army Staff Award for coming tops amongst his mates, Recruit Ugwu Clifford clinched the Commandant Depot Nigerian Army Award, Recruit Ideba Love won the Chief of Administration (Army) Award, while the Chief of Training (Army) Award went to Recruit Edet Samuel.
Dignitaries who graced the Passing out Parade with their esteemed presence include, the Governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani, Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulazziz Yar’adau, former Chief of Army Staff Maj Gen Alwali Kazir, Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy Maj Gen John Ochai, representative of the Emir of Zazzau, Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, amongst several others.
