By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has commended the Nigerian Army for establishing a training depot in the state, describing the initiative as a significant boost to national security and youth development.
He gave the commendation on Friday while receiving the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, at the Government House, Osogbo, ahead of the Passing Out Parade of the first batch of recruits trained at the Nigerian Army Depot in Osun State.
A statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col Appolonia Anele, said the Army Chief was in the state as part of activities marking the historic Passing Out Parade of the pioneer recruits of the depot, scheduled for Saturday, December 20, 2025.
The parade, the statement said, is being held in line with a Presidential directive issued following the declaration of a state of emergency on national security, which mandated the armed forces to scale up recruitment, training and deployment of personnel to tackle emerging security challenges across the country.
During the courtesy visit, Gen Shaibu commended Osun State Government for its support and cooperation, noting that the assistance provided by the state was instrumental to the successful establishment and smooth take-off of the training depot.
He described the facility as a strategic national asset that would enhance the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity while also contributing to youth empowerment and national stability.
The Army Chief reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and excellence, stressing that the recruits passing out had undergone rigorous training and were fully prepared for immediate deployment in support of ongoing military operations nationwide.
He also emphasised the importance of sustained civil-military collaboration in achieving lasting peace and security.
In his response, Adeleke expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army for locating the training depot in Osun State, describing the passing out of the first set of recruits as a historic milestone and a source of pride for the state.
The governor assured the Army Chief of the state government’s continued support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies operating in the state.
The Passing Out Parade is expected to feature drills, inspection of troops and other ceremonial activities to mark the successful completion of basic military training and the recruits’ readiness for active service.
The Nigerian Army, the statement added, remains committed to its constitutional mandate of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, enhancing internal security and supporting national development in line with Presidential directives.
