The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, on Monday, 21st July 2025, undertook his first official operational visit to the Depot Nigerian Army located in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, where he issued a strong charge for enhanced and purposeful training aimed at shaping disciplined, competent, and combat-ready soldiers for the nation.
General Oluyede, who assumed command of the Nigerian Army earlier this year, used the visit to reiterate his administration’s commitment to raising the standards of the military institution through capacity-driven training models. Addressing officers, instructors, and personnel at the depot, the Army Chief emphasized that the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army in fulfilling its constitutional mandate largely depends on the quality of foundational training given to recruits.
He called on instructors and senior officers at the Osogbo facility to align themselves with his broader vision of a modern, professional, and well-equipped Nigerian Army. According to the COAS, this vision cannot be achieved without passion-driven training, consistent discipline, and the inculcation of core military values into every recruit passing through the system.
Lieutenant General Oluyede stressed that the depot, being the cradle of soldiering in Nigeria, holds a central place in the Army’s structural effectiveness. He noted that poor training at the foundational level reflects in operational shortcomings on the field, hence the urgent need to place premium on physical, psychological, and tactical development from the earliest stages.
As part of his tour, the COAS personally inspected several facilities within the training complex, including classrooms, parade grounds, dormitories, and physical training areas. He evaluated the current state of infrastructure and pointed out areas that require urgent improvement to meet modern standards. He assured that efforts are ongoing to upgrade logistics and provide an environment that encourages both mental and physical preparedness.
The visit also provided a platform for the Army Chief to interact with troops, gauge their morale, and listen to challenges affecting their training processes. While commending the Depot leadership for their efforts so far, he expressed optimism that with sustained support and renewed commitment, the Nigerian Army would continue to produce exceptional soldiers capable of defending the nation against emerging threats.
Lieutenant General Oluyede’s visit to Osogbo is part of a broader tour of key military formations aimed at strengthening field readiness, assessing operational gaps, and reinforcing leadership accountability across all ranks.