Depot Nigerian Army passed out 6226 recruits on December 10, 2022, of 83 regular recruits intake, to help meet the country’s increased manpower needs as it deals with its many security issues, in a beautiful ceremony at its headquarters in Zaria.
The Chief Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant-General Faruk Yahaya claimed in his speech as the Special Guest of Honor that the professionalism of these young soldiers was demonstrated in the realistic and results-oriented training that had an impact on them during their five-month stay. This was demonstrated in the synchronized drill, impressive display, innovation, ingenuity, turnout, and perseverance of these young soldiers during the passing out ceremony.
The COAS also stated that the young soldiers’ arduous training, which began five months ago, had prepared them to handle today’s security problems, and that the enhanced strength of Nigerian Army personnel will give its different operations more momentum.
The COAS further exhorted them to maintain their focus and resist the temptation to aid racial and religious extremists in furthering their own narrow interests. Additionally, General Yahaya urged the young soldiers who will be assigned to cover the 2023 elections to maintain their impartiality while carrying out their constitutional obligations.
General Yahaya reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army ‘s essential ideals of loyalty, selfless devotion, integrity, courage, discipline, and respect for others were high expectations for these young warriors. His comments are “You must defend these ideals by acting with the highest moral and professional standards. I thus implore you to hold on to your mental, physical, and moral training and to demonstrate it in the most helpful and competent way possible “.
General Yahaya further urged them to show their complete commitment to the constitutional authorities in order to serve as excellent ambassadors for the NA. Depot Nigerian Army is the COAS’ priority in terms of infrastructure and people development, he continued, noting that it is clear from the restructuring of the training environment for both staff and recruits. Depot Nigerian Army serves as the center for the professional growth of NA’s soldiers. The COAS also promised to increase his support for the institution’s high-quality training.
He reiterated that the young soldiers now had a special status and were subject to both military and civil laws while reminding them of the Oath of Allegiance that had been administered to them. He also cautioned them from doing anything that may damage the reputation of the NA and the country at large.
The passing out parade and the giving of souvenirs were among the event’s highlights.
