COAS Bags Traditional Title in Ebonyi, Pledges Stronger Civil-Military Cooperation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has been conferred with the traditional title of “Ome Udo I of Ebonyi” by the Ebonyi State Council of Chiefs in recognition of his contributions to peace, security and national development.
The honour was bestowed on the Army Chief on Wednesday during a ceremony held on the sidelines of the Passing Out Parade of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake at the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State.
The event brought together senior government officials, traditional rulers, military officers and other dignitaries, highlighting the growing partnership between the Nigerian Army, the Ebonyi State Government and traditional institutions in promoting peace, security and national development.
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Presenting the honour, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, described the COAS as “a proud son of the soil” whose leadership and commitment to national service had earned him the admiration and appreciation of the people of the state.
Nwifuru said the traditional title symbolised the gratitude of the people of Ebonyi for the Army Chief’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the nation and supporting the development of the state.
The governor also described the establishment of the Depot Nigerian Army, Amasiri-Edda, as one of the landmark achievements recorded under Shaibu’s leadership.
According to him, the institution has strengthened security, created economic opportunities and enhanced Ebonyi State’s contribution to national defence through the training and development of military personnel.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to sustaining its collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other critical stakeholders, stressing that stronger civil-military relations remained essential to achieving lasting peace, security and sustainable development across the country.
The investiture also underscored the increasing role of traditional institutions in supporting national security through community engagement and a whole-of-society approach to addressing contemporary security challenges.
The ceremony formed part of activities surrounding the Passing Out Parade of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake, marking another milestone in the Nigerian Army’s efforts to strengthen its manpower and operational readiness.