Personnel of the Nigerian Army 3 Division have marked the 2022 West African Social Activities (WASA) to promote social activity among personnel at Rukuba Barracks, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Plateau State.
The occasion held on Saturday 18th February, was marked with various cultural displays, food exhibition, displays of and presentation of awards and gifts to outstanding military personnel for the year 2022 with a host of special dignitaries and guest at the symbolic occasion.
In his remarks, the special guest of honor, the Plateau state Governor, Simon Bako Lalong, said he was using the opportunity to appreciate the security agencies and in particular the Military for the sacrifices that they continue to make in securing lives and properties of the people.
The Governor who was represented by the Special Adviser on Securities, Major General Augustine Agundu (Rtd), assured that the Government, we will continue to support the military and security agencies in the State in order to sustain the peace we are enjoying.
“I must commend the security agencies especially the Nigerian Army for your doggedness, resilience and commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property of the people of the state. I commend you for this feat, i urge all of us to work together to support the efforts of the state in ensuring a peaceful and secured Plateau”.
“As we come closer to the elections, let me use this opportunity to call on all and sundry to ensure that we come out during the electioneering period and vote for candidates of your choice. It is your constitutional right to chose a trusted and capable leader that will pilot the affairs of the Government towards ensuring our collective welfare and wellbeing”. He further stated.
General Officer Commanding 3 Division, and commander Operation Safe Haven, Major General AB Ibrahim, commended the organisation of this year’s WASA and the current synergy between the military and other security agencies as well as the host community as envisaged by the Chief of Army Staff.
He said WASA IS an age long tradition in the Nigerian Army, traceable to pre independence period. “The ceremony is part of the Nigerian Army customs, ethics and tradition organized to enable officers, soldiers, their families as well as friends and invited guests to interact and merry in a relaxed atmosphere. This is aimed at, promoting comradeship, deepens es-sprit de-corps, strengthens unity among personnel as well as promote civil military relations and beautiful cultural heritage of the barracks community.” He said
Maj Gen. Ibrahim went on to appreciate the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya for his tremendous support towards ensuring improved working condition and welfare of troops of 3 Division Nigerian Army as well as
choosing 3 Division to host numerous training activities of the Nigerian Army
The Achievements recorded by security agencies especially on the plateau would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of the government of Plateau state under the leadership of His Excellency the
Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt Hon Barrister Simon Bako Lalong, therefore on behalf of the officers and soldiers and our family express our profound appreciation to your Excellency and good people of Plateau State
for being a wonderful host as well as the cooperation and support we enjoyed”. He added
WASA is an annual social event to give personnel of the Nigerian Army a home feeling and to remind them that they are not detached from their culture and traditions despite being away from their homelands.
High point at the event was the beating of the retreat and the lighting of the bonfire which was observed by the dignitaries.
