Osun-born NDA graduates urge Adeleke govt to address low representation in military

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

A delegation of newly commissioned military officers from Osun State has called on the state government to bridge the gap in military representation between Osun and other states in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The officers, all recent graduates of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government in Osogbo on Thursday.

Leading the delegation, Flying Officer Abdullah Sanusi commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, especially road construction, but lamented the low representation of Osun indigenes in the military compared to other states.

He urged the government to initiate programmes that would raise awareness and support for aspiring cadets, stressing that “many capable young people from Osun lack access to the right information and encouragement to join the armed forces.”

Also speaking, Second Lieutenant O.O. Oyegoke called for greater government support during officers’ training programmes and lamented the low representation of female cadets from Osun State at the NDA.

In his remarks, Flying Officer D.A. Aderinwale applauded the remarkable achievements of Osun-born officers in the military, noting that some have won prestigious awards, including Best Overall Officer.

Responding, the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Cabinet and Special Services, Mr. Olusoji Wojuade, who represented the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, described the officers as worthy ambassadors of Osun and assured them that their concerns would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

He charged them to uphold integrity and honour in the discharge of their duties, promising continued government support for their career advancement.