In a landmark event for Nigeria’s military infrastructure, the Depot Nigerian Army in Osogbo held its inaugural Passing Out Parade (POP) on Saturday, formally inducting 3,391 new soldiers into the ranks. This ceremony marks a pivotal moment in the Nigerian Army’s strategic expansion of its training capacity to meet contemporary security demands.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, confirmed the historic graduation in a statement from Abuja. The establishment of the Osogbo depot is part of a broader initiative to decentralize and enhance the army’s training footprint across the nation, reducing the logistical burden on the historic Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria and bringing training closer to recruits’ regions.
Addressing the pioneer set, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, charged the recruits to embody the highest standards of military ethos. “This ceremony is historic as the first Passing Out Parade of Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo. You are the pioneer set, and you must wear this badge with pride,” he stated. The COAS’s message underscored the unique legacy and responsibility borne by this first cohort, who will set the standard for all future graduates from the new facility.
Shaibu elaborated on the practical application of their training, urging the soldiers to draw strength from it and act “with hope for success rather than fear of failure” when confronting the nation’s security challenges. This psychological framing is crucial, as modern asymmetric warfare against insurgents, bandits, and kidnappers requires not just physical prowess but immense mental resilience. He reassured them of the Army’s institutional support under his foundational “Soldier First” policy, which prioritizes troop welfare, motivation, and professional development as the bedrock of operational effectiveness.
“Our soldiers remain the core and enduring strength of the Nigerian Army. Uphold the core values of the Army and develop the determination to excel in your lives and careers,” Shaibu emphasized, linking individual conduct directly to the integrity of the institution and the nation they are sworn to protect.
The COAS also commended the Commandant, officers, instructors, and staff of the Depot for their role in transforming civilians into disciplined, combat-ready soldiers. He announced a further expansion of this training model, revealing that the newly approved Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki would soon commence operations. This indicates a strategic, multi-depot system aimed at increasing the annual output of well-trained personnel to address manpower needs across multiple theaters of operation.
In his remarks, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, lauded the Nigerian Army’s dedication and linked the depot’s success directly to local and national security. He urged the new soldiers to become “steadfast custodians of peace and stability,” a role that extends beyond traditional warfare to include community engagement and support to civil authority—a growing aspect of the Nigerian Army’s mandate.
The parade culminated in the formal induction of the 3,391 soldiers, who now transition from recruits to full members of the Nigerian Army. Their passing out from this maiden parade is more than a ceremonial event; it represents a significant boost to the army’s operational manpower and a tangible result of strategic investments in training infrastructure. As pioneers, their performance in the field will be the ultimate test of the Osogbo depot’s efficacy and a benchmark for the future of army training in Nigeria.
