From parade ground to frontlines: Nigerian Army inducts 3,391 recruits, rewards excellence at historic Osogbo POP
By: Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army on Saturday formally inducted 3,391 newly trained soldiers into its fold at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 89 Regular Recruits Intake held at the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, marking a historic milestone as the maiden POP conducted at the new training depot.
The colourful ceremony, reviewed by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, illustrated the Army’s sustained drive to strengthen manpower capacity while prioritising professionalism, discipline and combat readiness amid Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
For the recruits, the parade signified the culmination of six months of intensive military training, characterised by rigorous drills, academic instruction, physical conditioning and character development, designed to transform civilians into disciplined and patriotic soldiers.
Addressing the recruits, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described the occasion as a testament to the Nigerian Army’s enduring commitment to the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, stressing that the new soldiers were joining the service at a critical period in the nation’s history.
“You are entering the Nigerian Army at a time when our country is faced with diverse and complex security challenges. You have chosen a noble path of honour. The training you have received and the leadership you will encounter in the field will prepare you for the task ahead,” the COAS said.
He reminded the recruits that while their welfare, morale and professional development would remain a priority, the Army and the nation would demand discipline, loyalty and unwavering commitment in return.
As part of the ceremony, the Army recognised outstanding performance and excellence among the recruits through the presentation of special merit awards, reinforcing the institution’s emphasis on quality over mere numbers.
Recruit Paul Edimbore Andi of Hotel Training Company emerged as one of the standout performers of the intake, winning both the Commandant’s Airport Nigerian Army Award, reserved for the recruit who placed third in order of merit, and the Chief of Administration Army Award, presented to the overall best female recruit.
The citations noted that Edimbore distinguished herself through exceptional academic results, practical competence, resilience and exemplary conduct, setting a standard for her peers throughout the training period.
The Chief of Training Army Award, presented to the recruit who finished second in order of merit, was won by Recruit Emmanuel Paul Oko of India Training Company, whose consistency in written examinations, drills and field exercises earned him high commendation from instructors.
The highlight of the awards ceremony was the presentation of the Chief of Army Staff Award, the most prestigious honour of the parade, to Recruit Umar Muazu Abdikarim of Hotel Training Company, who emerged as the overall best recruit of the 89 Regular Intake.
Abdikarim was adjudged best based on his highest aggregate scores across academic, physical and tactical assessments, as well as his demonstration of discipline, leadership potential and regimentation.
Beyond the awards, the POP also marked a significant institutional milestone. Lt.-Gen. Shaibu noted that Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, had now joined Depot Nigerian Army Zaria and Depot Nigerian Army Nshobo as a core training hub, adding that the newly approved Depot Nigerian Army, Abakaliki, would soon commence operations.
According to him, training curricula across all depots would be streamlined to place greater emphasis on marksmanship, fieldcraft and combat-relevant skills, aimed at producing result-oriented and mission-ready soldiers.
The COAS also reiterated his soldier-centric command philosophy, describing soldiers as the core and enduring strength of the Nigerian Army, whose welfare, training and morale would remain paramount.
Shaibu said the ceremony was significant not only because it marked the formal induction of the recruits into the Nigerian Army, but also because it was the first passing out parade conducted at the Osogbo depot since its establishment.
“It is with a deep sense of fulfilment that I stand here today to celebrate the successful completion of the training that has transformed these young men and women into disciplined, resilient and patriotic Nigerian Army soldiers,” he said.
He described the passing-out recruits as the pioneer set trained at the depot and charged them to wear the honour with pride and serve as worthy ambassadors of the institution throughout their careers.
According to him, the recruits were graduating at a critical period in Nigeria’s history, when the nation continues to confront diverse security challenges, stressing that the choice of a military career was one of honour, sacrifice and national service.
“You have chosen a noble path paved with challenges, but these challenges are not insurmountable. The training you have received and the leadership you will encounter in the field will prepare you for the future,” the COAS said.
He urged the new soldiers to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army, including discipline, loyalty, professionalism and patriotism, as they assume their roles in safeguarding national security.
The COAS commended the Commandant, staff and instructors of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, for working assiduously under challenging conditions to produce well-trained soldiers, assuring them of continued support from Army Headquarters.
The parade was attended by senior military officers, principal staff officers from Army Headquarters, serving and retired officers, traditional rulers, government officials, families of the recruits and members of the press.
The event drew a large gathering of dignitaries, including the Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, senior military commanders, principal staff officers from Army Headquarters, traditional rulers, serving and retired officers, families of the recruits and members of the press.
For Osun State, the ceremony was equally symbolic. As the governor noted in his remarks, hosting the maiden POP reinforced the state’s growing strategic relevance in Nigeria’s security architecture and its partnership with the Armed Forces.
The governor, who described the event as significant to national security, said the ceremony underscored the critical role of the military in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and defending the Constitution.
He commended the Nigerian Army for its decades of service in maintaining both internal and external peace, noting that the Army, in collaboration with other services, the Police and security agencies, had remained central to the containment of terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts.
“For us as a state government, we have enjoyed a very close partnership with the Nigerian Army and the entire military establishment. From my hometown and across the state, our engagement with servicemen has continued to deliver peace and stability,” he said.
Adeleke said Osun had remained one of the most peaceful states in the country largely due to the sacrifices and dedication of the military and other security agencies, stressing that the state government deeply appreciated the efforts of servicemen and women.
