The Nigerian Army, 81 Division and Headquarters Nigerian Army Engineers on Saturday marked the 2022 West African Social Activities (WASA) to promote bonding with social activities among personnel and families.
The combined ceremony marks the end of the year military activities held the at NA 65 Battalion Parade Ground, Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The special guest of honour Major General Thompson Oliomogbe (Rtd) who in his speech urge Nigerians to support the military combat insecurity said that WASA is an annual social event that gives personnel of the Nigerian Army the feeling of home and also to remind them that they are not detached from their culture and traditions.
He said that the event also an avenue for all military personnel to provides the opportunity to interact in a more relaxed atmosphere after a hectic year.
According to him, It is also another venue to especially recognize personnel that distinguished themselves in conduct during the year.
“As we have witnessed the presentations of awards to the best disciplined officers from each of the participating formations and units, I wish to encourage all to maintain the standard achieved in 2022 and improve on it the Nigeria Army Corps of Engineers and in 81 division,” Oliomogbe said
He, however, commended the ,General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj. Gen. Obinna Ajunwa and the Commander Corps Of Engineers, Maj. Gen. Philip Eromosele for their efforts while he urged officers to put in more efforts in combating insecurity.
In his welcome remarks, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Maj. Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, commended the organizing committee adding that WASA is an informal social interaction among officers, soldiers, families and invited guests.
Ajunwa said it was an occasion to reflect on the training activities in the previous year with a view to positioning the Command for greater achievements
The Army boss commended 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 added that, the Army has done well in curbing insecurity so far and would not relent in ensuring peace and tranquility.
During the event, soldiers were presented with awards of excellence and there were cultural displays by the Hausa/Fulani, Igbo, Benin, Kanuri, Yoruba and Tiv dancers.
While the event was witnessed by the Western Naval Command Chief Staff Officer, Rear Admiral Umar Kaoje Hamza represented Rear Admiral Yakubu Bala Wambai FOC Western Naval Command, Unit Commander Lagos Island Unit Command FRSC, Assistant Corps Commander Esther Uzoma, Assistant Director DSS S. Akala, represented the Director, Lagos State Command, DSS, Senior Officers from the military and paramilitary, traditional rulers, and others.
