Adeleke commends Nigerian Army as COAS visits ahead of depot’s first POP
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has commended the Nigerian Army for the establishment of a Depot in the state as he formally received the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, ahead of the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the first set of recruits trained at the facility.
Lieutenant General Shaibu paid a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Government House, Osogbo, as part of activities marking the Passing Out Parade of the pioneer recruits of the Nigerian Army Depot, Osun State. The ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, 20 December 2025, marks a major milestone in the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s training capacity and manpower development drive.
The Passing Out Parade is being conducted in line with a presidential directive declaring a state of emergency on national security, which mandated the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to intensify recruitment, training and deployment of combat-ready personnel to address emerging security challenges across the country.
During the visit, the Chief of Army Staff 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 will enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army while also contributing 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 pioneer recruits have been adequately prepared to contribute effectively to ongoing operations nationwide. He emphasised the importance of sustained civil–military cooperation in achieving lasting peace and security.
In his remarks, Governor Adeleke expressed 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 achievement for the state and assured the army leadership of the state government’s continued support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
The Passing Out Parade will feature inspection of troops, precision drills and other ceremonial activities, signifying the successful completion of basic military training and the readiness of the recruits for active service.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to its constitutional mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, enhancing internal security and supporting national development in line with presidential directives.
