Rasheeda Makinde
Robust synergy among security agencies will greatly help in curtailing all forms of criminal activities threatening the development of the Nation.
General Officer Commanding, GOC, 2 Division Nigeria Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo barracks Ojoo Ibadan, Major General Mohammed Usman stated this while declaring open the 2022 West African Social Activities, WASA, at the Major General Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ojoo Ibadan.
In his address of welcome, Major General Usman said the collaboration among sister agencies would go a long as a formidable team to tackle any forms of adversity that have been terrorizing the society.
The GOC noted that the importance of WASA celebration in the Nigerian Army was customarily observed to mark the end of the training year and to usher in the New Year as well as renew the energy of the officers and men towards achieving a crime-free society.
He further maintained that the word “WASA” in the Hausa Language means to play and coincidentally, it is the acronym for West African Social Activities, this event was introduced during the colonial era of the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF).”
“WASA is meant to take officers and soldiers away from the routine regimented life to an atmosphere where they relax freely with one another as well as with their families as well as civilian friends. It is usually done by the display of cultural dances and adoring costumes, today we have another opportunity to be together with our families and friends to celebrate and give thanks to Almighty God do a successful 2022 and showcase our different cultures.”
“As we gathered together here today to make merry and celebrate with our loved ones, I wish to sincerely seize the opportunity to solicit for the support of all relevant stakeholders to join hands with the Division to eradicate all forms of criminality within our area of responsibility in order to provide a conducive atmosphere for social and economic activities to thrive.”
“Permit me to thank the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for his commitment and continuous support, especially in the area of training and welfare of personnel of the Nigeria Army in general and 2 Division in particular, the year 2023 has started with enthusiasm and good hope of further actualizing the COAS vision by consolidating on the gains of the past year through improved discipline and sustainable training to meet the Nigerian Army’s constitutional role.”
The GOC reassured the President, and the Chief of Army Staff of his unalloyed loyalty to their leadership and Nigerians at large to collectively enjoyed a safe and sound society.
Major General Usman also commended the state Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde who was the special guest of honour at the event for his support to the Nigerian Army at large and 2 Div in particular.
He said Governor Makinde had been tremendously helpful through his wisdom, guidance and direction towards the right path which had greatly contributed to the successes they recorded in the past year and sincerely hope to enjoy more of this support.
In his remarks, Governor Makinde assured soldiers and families of the 2 Division Nigerian Army in Ibadan that his administration remained committed to promoting the already existing cordial relationship with the military to a greater level for the betterment of the good people of Oyo state.
Governor Makinde, who was represented by Oyo State Chief of Staff, Mr Segun Ogunwuyi, maintained that his presence at the event was to identify with the Nigerian Army and their family members.
He also noted that the impact of the Nigerian Army during this period had added greater values, respect, honour and dignity to the perception of the Military, as the link that bond the Army and the rest of the citizens was further strengthened.
“The Nigerian Army today has played more roles in aid to civil authority than any other time in the history of our dear nation, this includes the curtailment of insurgency in the northeast, by ensuring that the situation does not spread across the entire country and the curtailing of the entire nefarious activities of rampaging bandits in the North West, this, in addition, is to sustain operation against the kidnappers, cultists and other perpetrators of such criminal activities across the country, I’m glad that the Nigerian Army has recorded these achievements without prejudice to the respect to the rule of law.”
“I have personally noted the achievements of operation Burst in Oyo state where a Nigeria Army played very key roles. I wish to use this occasion of the WASA to commend the gallant officers and soldiers of the 2 Division Ibadan in particular and Nigeria Army at large, I also urge you to remain and maintain the tempo.”
“I also want to assure you that the government and the people of Oyo state will continue to support and cooperate with the Nigeria Army especially in Oyo state in order to reap the true dividend of peace and security, I have and will continue to consider the army barrack and cantonment in Oyo state as part of our constituency, finally on behalf of the government and the good people of Oyo state I wish to thank all the officers and soldiers of the 2 Division Nigeria Army and their family for inviting me as a special guest of honour for this year WASA”
Activities of the event included a tug of war competition between the Barrack Youths and Barrack Youth Corps Members; Magajiyas Odogbo and NASWA Mokola, cultural dance and display, WASA quiz, children dancing competition, a special award for soldiers and feasting.
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