By Nkechi Eze
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has commended the Nigerian Army for establishing a Training Depot in the state as he formally welcomed the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, ahead of the Passing Out Parade of the first set of recruits trained at the facility.
The Governor received the Army Chief at the Government House, Osogbo, during a courtesy visit that formed part of activities marking the historic Passing Out Parade of the pioneer recruits of the Nigerian Army Depot, Osun State. The ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, 20 December 2025, represents a major milestone in the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s training architecture and its ongoing manpower development drive.
In an official statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Nigerian Army said the Passing Out Parade is being conducted in line with a direct Presidential directive declaring a state of emergency on national security. The directive, according to the statement, mandated the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to accelerate recruitment, training and deployment of combat-ready personnel to confront emerging security threats across the country.
During the visit, Lieutenant General Shaibu commended the Osun State Government for its unwavering support and cooperation, which he noted were instrumental to the successful establishment and smooth take-off of the Depot. He described the facility as a strategic national asset that would significantly strengthen the Army’s operational capacity while also contributing to youth empowerment and national stability.
The Chief of Army Staff reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and excellence in training, stressing that the recruits passing out have been thoroughly prepared to immediately contribute to ongoing operations nationwide. He also underscored the importance of sustained civil–military cooperation as a critical pillar for achieving lasting peace and security across the country.
In his remarks, Governor Adeleke expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Army for the confidence reposed in Osun State through the siting of the Depot. He described the passing out of the first set of recruits as a historic and pride-worthy achievement for the state and assured the Chief of Army Staff of the continued support of the Osun State Government for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
The Passing Out Parade will feature precision drills, inspection of troops and other ceremonial activities that symbolize the successful completion of basic military training and the recruits’ readiness for active service in defence of the nation.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its resolve to continue fulfilling its constitutional mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, enhancing internal security and supporting national development in strict compliance with Presidential directives.
