Badaru vows infrastructure boost for Depot Nigerian Army

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, has pledged the federal government's determination to improve facilities at Depot Nigerian Army to enhance training and enable the institution to fulfill its mandate.

A statement issued by Major Everest Ochienta, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army, said the Minister made the pledge during an assessment visit to Depot Nigerian Army at Chindit Cantonment, Zaria, Kaduna State.

The Minister was received and briefed by the Commandant of Depot NA on the ongoing training activities of the 88th Regular Recruits Intake. He promised that his ministry would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that Chindit Primary School receives an upgrade in facilities to meet modern standards, as a means of boosting the morale of officers and soldiers of the cantonment whose wards are beneficiaries.

He added that his office would liaise with the Kaduna State Government to ensure the completion of Chindit Secondary School, which is currently abandoned.

Additionally, the Minister pledged to assist with drilling additional solar-powered boreholes to complement existing ones within Depot NA, alleviating challenges associated with water supply in the cantonment.

Earlier, the Commandant of Depot NA, Major General Ahmadu Mohammed, thanked the Minister for the visit and informed him of the interventions by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, as well as ongoing efforts at Depot NA aimed at addressing challenges.

He expressed hope and optimism that these collaborative interventions would position Depot NA to deliver on its mandate of producing high-quality recruits for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The Commandant highlighted the institution's modest achievements under his leadership, guided by the COAS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, despite daunting challenges.

He stated that he would continue to ensure that the welfare of staff members and recruits is adequately met, in line with the COAS’ “Soldiers First” principle, to ensure the institution is well-positioned to meet Nigeria’s aspirations.

Present during the visit were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda; the Special Adviser (Technical) to the Defence Minister, Major General Ahmed Jubrin (Rtd); and the General Staff Officer to the Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Aminu Garba.

Also in attendance were the Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Alhaji; the Commandant of the Army School of Physical Training, Brigadier General Musa Usman; the Commandant of the Nigerian Military School, Brigadier General Owoicho Ejiga; the representative of the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Brigadier General Muhammed Kana; senior officers, and other distinguished dignitaries.