COAS Charges New Soldiers to Uphold Discipline Nigerian Army Depot Osogbo Holds Maiden Passing Out Parade

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged 3,391 newly inducted soldiers of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, courage and patriotism as they formally commenced their military careers.

Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the charge on Saturday during the Passing Out Parade of the 89 Regular Recruits Intake at the Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo.

The ceremony marked a historic milestone as the first Passing Out Parade held by the depot since its establishment.

Describing the event as historic, the Army Chief reminded the recruits that they were the pioneer set graduating from the Osogbo depot and therefore carried a special responsibility to uphold the reputation of the institution.

“This ceremony is historic as the first Passing Out Parade of Nigerian Army Depot, Osogbo. You are the pioneer set, and you must wear this badge with pride. Conduct yourselves as worthy ambassadors of this institution throughout your careers,” the COAS said.

Lieutenant General Shaibu emphasized that the recruits were joining the Nigerian Army at a critical period in the nation’s history, characterized by evolving and complex security challenges.

He urged them to draw strength from the rigorous training they had undergone and to face challenges with confidence and hope rather than fear of failure.

The Army Chief further reminded the soldiers that their induction carried immense responsibility, particularly in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and contributing to national security.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare and professional development of its personnel under his Soldier First Command Mantra, assuring the recruits of sustained moral, physical and material support.

“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. Uphold the core values of the Army and develop the determination to excel in your lives and careers,” he charged.

Lieutenant General Shaibu also commended the Commandant, officers, instructors and staff of the Depot for their dedication in moulding the recruits into disciplined and combat-ready soldiers.

He announced that the newly approved
Nigerian Army Depot, Abakaliki, would soon commence training activities to enhance manpower development and operational readiness, in line with the directive of the President.

In his remarks, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, praised the Nigerian Army for its sustained commitment to national security and ongoing operations to curb banditry and kidnapping along state borders.

He urged the new soldiers to remain loyal to the Army’s core values and to serve as steadfast custodians of peace and stability.

The parade climaxed with the formal induction of the recruits into the Nigerian Army, officially marking the beginning of their service to the nation as professional soldiers.