The Nigerian Army has celebrated the passing out of over 6,000 recruits from the 85 Regular Recruit Intake (RRI) in a vibrant Passing Out Parade (POP) held recently, October, at the Parade Ground of the Depot Nigerian Army.
The journey to becoming soldiers for the 6,315 passing out recruits began with a rigorous selection process, followed by training at the Depot Nigerian Army starting on June 3, 2023, which culminated in the POP ceremony.
Addressing the passing out recruits, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, congratulated the young soldiers on successfully completing their training. He described the training as qualitative, realistic, and aligned with the contemporary security needs of the country.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja emphasised that the training and welfare of troops are the top priorities under his command, in line with his command philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force to fulfil its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to prioritise the training and welfare of troops, stating that efforts are being made to renovate accommodation facilities that are currently in deplorable conditions.
The Chief of Army Staff highlighted the importance of providing the best accommodation for soldiers when they are not on the front line as an incentive for their sacrifices. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to improve medical facilities to handle battle casualties resulting from operational engagements.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja reminded the young soldiers that soldiering is a life of sacrifice for their country and defending it, even if it means paying the ultimate price. He declared that by passing out, they have accepted the highest call of duty any Nigerian can undertake.
During the awards presentation, 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 being the top performer among his peers. Recruit Ugwu Clifford received the Commandant Depot Nigerian Army Award. Recruit Ideba Love won the Chief of Administration (Army) Award, and Recruit Edet Samuel received the Chief of Training (Army) Award.
Distinguished guests in attendance at the Passing Out Parade include Senator Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Abdulazziz Yar’adau, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Maj Gen Alwali Kazir, former Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen John Ochai, Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, and a representative of the Emir of Zazzau. Several Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division were also present.
In another development, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, visited the palace of His Royal Highness, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali in Zaria.
During the visit, he sought the support of the royal father in ensuring enduring peace and harmony in the domain. The COAS expressed his condolences to the Emir and the people of Zazzau Emirate on the passing of Nigeria’s Ambassador to Morocco, Alhaji Mansur Nuhu Bamali, and prayed for strength in dealing with the irreplaceable loss.
The royal father, in response, blessed the COAS and assured him of his support, as well as the support of the Emirate, to the Nigerian Army.
