The Nigerian Army has passed out over 6000 recruits in a colourful regimental Passing Out Parade (POP) on Saturday at the Parade Ground of the Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria, Kaduna state.
This information was conveyed in a statement released to the press in Abuja by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu.
According to the statement, “The journey to becoming soldiers for the 6,315 passing out recruits began after they successfully underwent a rigorous selection process. They reported for training at the Depot Nigerian Army on June 3, 2023, and their journey culminated in the POP ceremony.”
Addressing the Passing Out Recruits, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, congratulated the young soldiers for their successful completion of training. He described the training as high-quality, realistic, and tailored to meet the contemporary security needs of the country. Gen Lagbaja emphasized that troops’ training and welfare were top priorities under his command, aligning with his command philosophy to transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, well-equipped, and highly motivated force to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities in a joint environment.
The COAS reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army would continue to prioritise troops’ training and welfare. He mentioned ongoing efforts to renovate accommodation facilities in deplorable states and provide additional ones. He stated that soldiers deserve the best accommodation possible as incentives for their sacrifices. He also highlighted improvements in medical facilities to handle battle casualties from operational engagements better.
The Army Chief reminded the young soldiers that soldiering is a life of sacrifice to the country, allegiance to defend, and a willingness to pay the ultimate price, stating that “As you pass out today, you have accepted the highest call to duty any Nigerian can take up.”
The statement also mentioned the presentation of awards at the ceremony. The Indian Training Company emerged as the Champion Company and received the Depot Nigerian Army Champion Banner. Recruit Abdullahi Abubakar received the Chief of Army Staff Award for ranking highest among his peers. Recruit Ugwu Clifford won the Commandant Depot Nigerian Army Award, while Recruit Ideba Love and Recruit Edet Samuel received the Chief of Administration (Army) Award and the Chief of Training (Army) Award, respectively.
Dignitaries present at the Passing Out Parade included the Governor of Kaduna state, Senator Uba Sani, Chairman Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulazziz Yar’adua, former Chief of Army Staff Maj Gen Alwali Kazir, Commandant Nigerian Defence Academy Maj Gen John Ochai, a representative of the Emir of Zazzau, Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters, and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, among others.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, sought the support of royal fathers from the traditional institution for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in maintaining enduring peace and harmony in their domains. He made this plea during a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali at his palace in Zaria. The Emir expressed his support and that of his Emirate for the Nigerian Army.
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