Nigerian Army Holds Social Activities To Promote Unity

THE Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army Engineers and 9 Brigade on Saturday held the 2024 Joint West African Social Activities (WASA) to showcase unity in diversity.

The event was held at Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, in his speech, said WASA was an annual event organised by the Nigerian Army to celebrate the diverse rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.

“It remains a tradition in the Nigerian Army, which draws down the curtain of the year’s activities.

“It is part of the Nigerian Army custom and tradition that promotes regimentation and strengthens the bond of unity among personnel and their families.

“It affords us to celebrate and appreciate diversity of our nation’s rich cultural heritage in a relaxed atmosphere after a successful training year,” he said.

Mijinyawa commended personnel of 81 Division for a successful year 2024 which was successfully executed in line with Army Headquarters’ Training directives.

He urged officers and soldiers of the division to remain steadfast.

“The Division in collaboration with other sister agencies conducted series of operations which ensured peace and security in areas of responsibility.

“I applaud individual and collective efforts of all the formations and units under the division for the achievements recorded in 2024.

“As we begin the operation activities for year 2025, I charge officers and soldiers to brace up and remain steadfast in the discharge of all assigned tasks.

“We must be prepared to redouble our efforts to ensure security of lives and property within our areas of responsibility.

“We should exhibit a great sense of duty, selflessness and commitment, ” he said.

The GOC appreciated the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for his direction and guidance and for approving resources for all their operational and training activities.

He commended the Lagos and Ogun States Government for their unrelenting support of Operation MESA in the two states which contributed significantly to the successes recorded in 2024.

Mijinyawa also appreciated the royal fathers and host communities for their understanding and cooperation.

Also speaking, the Commander, Corps of Engineers, Maj.- Gen. Philip Eromosele, described WASA as an opportunity for Nigerians in the army to come together and celebrate their achievements for the year.

“We are here today to celebrate the achievements of our officers and soldiers in line of duty.

“Apart from being an avenue to celebrate our African heritage, WASA is also a time to relax with our families, friends and well-wishers, ” he said.

Eromosele commended the bravery and dedication of the personnel for their achievements in the last 12 months toward achieving both collective and individual assigned tasks.

“I appreciate our troops who have exhibited determination to bring about peace and security across the country.

“Your doggedness in all your areas of deployment deserves heavy commendation and support from all Nigerians.

“This was made possible by good leadership with the cordial cooperation between our headquarters in the implementation of army headquarters’ directives, ” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the event included: cultural displays, dance performances, regimental activities by the troops and presentation of awards to officers for their outstanding performance.