The Chief of Army Staff has charged newly inducted soldiers of the Nigerian Army to uphold discipline, professionalism, courage and patriotism as they formally begin their military careers, warning that the nation’s security environment demands character as much as combat skill.
Zig Diaries Defence
Date: Saturday, 20 December 2025
Time: 14:28 WAT
Location: 📍 Osogbo, Nigeria
The charge was delivered during the Passing Out Parade of the 89 Regular Recruits Intake at Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, where 3,391 soldiers graduated in what marked the first Passing Out Parade since the depot’s establishment.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, described the ceremony as a historic milestone and reminded the recruits that, as the pioneer set, they carried a special responsibility to uphold the reputation of the new institution.
“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,” the Army Chief said.
“Conduct yourselves as worthy ambassadors of this institution throughout your careers,” he added.
Lieutenant General Shaibu noted that the recruits were joining the Nigerian Army at a critical period in Nigeria’s history, defined by evolving and complex security challenges across the country. He urged them to draw strength from their rigorous training and to confront adversity with confidence rather than fear.
“Our soldiers remain the core and enduring strength of the Nigerian Army. You will be given all you require to succeed, but the nation will also demand much from you,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to the welfare and professional development of personnel under his Soldier First Command Mantra, assuring the new soldiers of sustained moral, physical and material support as they discharge their duties in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The Army Chief also commended the Commandant, officers, instructors and staff of Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, for their role in moulding the recruits into disciplined and combat-ready soldiers. He further announced that the newly approved Depot Nigerian Army, Abakaliki, would soon commence training activities to strengthen manpower development and operational readiness, in line with presidential directives.
In his remarks, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, praised the Nigerian Army for its sustained commitment to national security and its efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping along state borders. He urged the newly inducted soldiers to remain loyal to the Army’s core values and to serve as steadfast custodians of peace and stability.
The parade culminated in the formal induction of the recruits into the Nigerian Army, symbolically opening a new chapter for both the soldiers and the Osogbo depot, as the institution takes its place in Nigeria’s military training architecture.
🏷️ Tags: Nigerian Army, COAS, Passing Out Parade, Osogbo, Army Recruits, Defence, Military Training
#NigeriaArmy #COAS #ZigDiariesDefence #MilitaryNews #Osogbo
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