Reps Seek Completion of Osun Armed Forces School

The House of Representatives has urged the swift completion of the long-abandoned Armed Forces Nigeria Physical and Health School and Games Village in Esa-Oke, Osun State. The project, initiated by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Defence, was designed to boost the physical fitness and operational readiness of Nigerian military personnel.

The call followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Oluwole Oke, representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, during Thursday’s plenary presided over by Speaker Rep. Abbas Tajudeen.

Hon. Oke expressed alarm that despite allocations in the federal budget dating back to 2008, the facility remains largely incomplete, denying both the Armed Forces and the host communities the benefits originally envisioned. He explained that the school, modelled after the United States Army Physical Training School in South Carolina, was meant to provide state-of-the-art training to enhance the physical and mental capabilities of troops.

He further noted that the project’s completion would create employment opportunities, strengthen security, and provide constructive engagement for youths in Esa-Oke and neighboring communities in Osun and Ekiti states. Hon. Oke warned that the derelict site has now become a refuge for criminals, posing a serious threat to local residents.

“The abandoned school has turned into a hideout for criminals, inflicting hardship on the people of Osun and Ekiti States. Immediate action is required to prevent further deterioration,” he said.

In response, the House directed the Chief of Defence Staff to deploy personnel to secure the site and begin preliminary activities. It also called on the Office of the Accountant-General and the Ministry of Finance to release funds already allocated for the project.

Moreover, the House instructed the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office, and the National Planning Commission to ensure adequate budgetary provisions for the school in 2026. Its Committees on Defence and Legislative Compliance were tasked with investigating the non-implementation of previous budget allocations and reporting back within four weeks for further legislative action.