By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Executive Governor
of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has commended the Nigerian Army for the establishment of a Depot in Osun State as he formally welcomed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu,Nigerian Army Medal, to the state ahead of the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the first set of recruits trained at the Depot, an event taking place in line with a direct Presidential directive declaring a state of emergency on national security.
Lieutenant General Shaibu paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Government House, Osogbo, as part of activities marking the historic Passing Out Parade of the pioneer recruits of the Nigerian Army Depot, Osun State.
The ceremony is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 20 December 2025 and represents a significant milestone in the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s training architecture and manpower development drive.
The Passing Out Parade forms part of the Federal Government’s accelerated security response measures following the President’s declaration of a state of emergency on security, which directed the Nigerian Army and other security outfits to intensify recruitment, training and deployment of combat-ready personnel to confront emerging security threats across the country.
During the visit, the COAS commended the Osun State Government for its unwavering support and cooperation, which facilitated the successful establishment and smooth take-off of the Depot.
He described the facility as a strategic national asset that not only strengthens the Army’s operational capacity but also contributes meaningfully to youth empowerment and national stability.
Lieutenant General Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and excellence in training, noting that the recruits passing out have been thoroughly prepared to immediately contribute to ongoing operations nationwide. He further emphasized the critical role of sustained civil–military cooperation in achieving lasting peace and security.
In his remarks, Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed profound 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 COAS of the state government’s continued support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
The Passing Out Parade will feature precision drills, inspection of troops, and other ceremonial activities, symbolizing the successful completion of basic military training and the recruits’ readiness for active service in defence of the nation.
The Nigerian Army remains resolute in fulfilling its constitutional mandate to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity, enhance internal security and support national development in line with Presidential directives.
