Army Inducts 3,391 Recruits at Maiden Osogbo Training Depot, Harps on Discipline
The Nigerian Army on Saturday formally inducted 3,391 newly trained soldiers into its ranks at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 89 Regular Recruits Intake held at the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, Osun State, marking a historic first as the maiden POP conducted at the newly established training depot.
The colourful ceremony was reviewed by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and underscored the Army’s sustained efforts to strengthen manpower capacity while reinforcing professionalism, discipline and combat readiness in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The parade marked the successful completion of six months of intensive military training by the recruits, a period characterised by rigorous drills, academic instruction, physical conditioning and character development aimed at transforming civilians into disciplined and patriotic soldiers.
Addressing the passing-out recruits, the COAS described the occasion as a testament to the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to the defence of the nation’s territorial integrity, noting that the new soldiers were joining the service at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history.
“You are entering the Nigerian Army at a time when our country is faced with diverse and complex security challenges. You have chosen a noble path of honour. The training you have received, as well as the leadership you will encounter in the field, will prepare you for the tasks ahead,” Shaibu said.
He assured the recruits that their welfare, morale and professional development would remain a priority, while reminding them that the Army and the nation expected discipline, loyalty and total commitment in return.
As part of the ceremony, the Army rewarded excellence and outstanding performance among the recruits through the presentation of merit awards, reinforcing its emphasis on quality and professionalism.
Recruit Paul Edimbore Andi of Hotel Training Company emerged as one of the top performers, receiving the Commandant’s Airport Nigerian Army Award for placing third in order of merit, as well as the Chief of Administration Army Award as the overall best female recruit of the intake.
Similarly, Recruit Emmanuel Paul Oko of India Training Company won the Chief of Training Army Award for finishing second in order of merit, having demonstrated consistency in academic work, drills and field exercises.
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The highlight of the awards segment was the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Award to Recruit Umar Muazu Abdikarim of Hotel Training Company, who emerged as the overall best recruit of the 89 Regular Intake. He was adjudged the top performer based on his aggregate scores across academic, physical and tactical assessments, as well as his display of discipline, leadership potential and regimentation.
Beyond the induction, the ceremony also marked a major institutional milestone for the Nigerian Army. Lt.-Gen. Shaibu noted that Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, had now joined Depot Nigerian Army Zaria and Depot Nigerian Army Nshobo as a core training hub, adding that the newly approved Depot Nigerian Army, Abakaliki, would soon commence operations.
According to the COAS, training curricula across all depots would be further streamlined to place greater emphasis on marksmanship, fieldcraft and combat-related skills, with a view to producing mission-ready and result-oriented soldiers.
Reiterating his soldier-centric command philosophy, Shaibu described soldiers as the enduring strength of the Nigerian Army, stressing that their welfare, training and morale would remain paramount.
“It is with a deep sense of fulfilment that I stand here today to celebrate the successful completion of training that has transformed these young men and women into disciplined, resilient and patriotic Nigerian Army soldiers,” he said.
He charged the recruits, described as the pioneer set trained at the Osogbo depot, to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army—discipline, loyalty, professionalism and patriotism—and to serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution throughout their careers.
The COAS commended the Commandant, officers, instructors and staff of Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, for their dedication and resilience in training the recruits under challenging conditions, assuring them of continued support from Army Headquarters.
The ceremony attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, including the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke; senior military commanders; principal staff officers from Army Headquarters; traditional rulers; serving and retired officers; families of the recruits; and members of the media.
In his remarks, Governor Adeleke described the hosting of the maiden POP as symbolic of Osun State’s growing strategic relevance within Nigeria’s security architecture and its strong partnership with the Armed Forces.
He commended the Nigerian Army for its decades of service in maintaining internal and external security, noting that the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, had remained central to the fight against terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts.
The governor added that Osun State had continued to enjoy relative peace largely due to the sacrifices and dedication of the military and other security agencies, assuring them of the state government’s appreciation and continued cooperation.
By PRNigeria
