The Nigerian Army has formally inducted 3,391 newly trained soldiers at the Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo, Osun State, marking the first Passing Out Parade held at the facility since its establishment.
The induction ceremony took place on Saturday and officially signalled the commencement of military service for the recruits.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, confirmed the development and described the event as a significant milestone for the depot.
Addressing the soldiers at the parade, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, urged them to uphold discipline, professionalism, courage and patriotism as they begin their careers in the Nigerian Army.
“This parade is historic because you are the first set of soldiers to be trained and inducted at the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo,” Shaibu said.
“As pioneers, you must wear this honour with pride and conduct yourselves as true representatives of the Army wherever you are deployed.”
The army chief charged the recruits to remain resilient in the face of Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, encouraging them to rely on the skills and values acquired during their training.
“You must approach every task with confidence and determination, drawing strength from your training and believing in success rather than being discouraged by challenges,” he said.
Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel under his “Soldier First” policy, describing soldiers as the backbone of the service.
“Our troops remain the enduring strength of the Nigerian Army. Uphold our core values and strive for excellence in both your personal lives and professional duties,” he added.
He also commended the commandant, instructors and other personnel of the depot for successfully training the recruits into disciplined and operationally ready soldiers, while announcing that the newly approved Depot Nigerian Army in Abakaliki would soon commence training activities.
In his remarks, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, praised the Nigerian Army for its sustained efforts in tackling insecurity across the country, including banditry and kidnapping.
“You are being entrusted with the responsibility of defending the nation and maintaining peace. Serve with integrity and commitment as guardians of Nigeria’s stability,” the governor told the new soldiers.
The ceremony concluded with the formal passing out of the recruits, officially inducting them into active service in the Nigerian Army.
