Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ebonyi State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Barrister Eric Kelechi Igwe, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of a Nigerian Army Training Centre in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Igwe, a former Deputy Governor of the state between 2015 and 2023, described the approval as a landmark move that underscores the President’s commitment to balanced development, strengthened national security and inclusiveness across the country.
In a statement made available to weekersmagazine on Monday, Igwe praised President Tinubu for what he termed a visionary decision, noting that the Abakaliki training centre would complement existing army depots in Kaduna and Osogbo, while advancing the decentralisation of military training facilities nationwide.
According to him, the project will enhance the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army, while also stimulating economic activities, improving infrastructure and promoting peace and stability in the Southeast.
“The proposed facility is expected to train thousands of recruits, with a focus on advanced infantry training and modern military technology. This aligns with the President’s broader agenda of modernising Nigeria’s defence architecture and addressing emerging security challenges,” he said.
Igwe, who also serves as a Board Member of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), noted that the Southeast had long advocated for greater inclusion in national defence initiatives, describing the approval as a historic milestone that reinforces national unity and regional equity.
He called on media organisations, stakeholders in the Southeast and the general public to support and publicise the project to ensure its successful implementation.
“This initiative will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s security framework and accelerate development in the Southeast. We appreciate Mr President for his dedication to building a stronger, safer and more united nation,” Igwe added.