The Mascot of 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Sergeant Sgt Dalet Danfari Akawala has died and laid to rest with military honours.
The regimental funeral ceremony for the late Mascot was held on Saturday, 25th January, 2025 at the Division Headquarters Complex in Kawo, Kaduna.
The solemn funeral was presided over by Colonel IA Akabike, Deputy Chief of Staff Administration, who represented Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division NA and Commander of Sector 1 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
In his address, Colonel Akabike emphasized the importance of honouring the life and service of the Mascot, describing it as an integral part of the Division’s tradition and rich cultural heritage.
“Late Sgt Dalet Danfari Akawala served the Division with loyalty and dedication, embodying the spirit of courage and resilience. Today’s ceremony is our way of paying the last respect to a companion who brought pride and identity to the Division,” he said.
Colonel Akabike extended his condolences to the entire Stallion family and the Nigerian Army, expressing regret over the loss.
He appreciated the dignitaries and sympathizers who attended the ceremony. Prayers were offered for a hardworking, agile, and dedicated replacement for the late Sgt Akawala.
During the funeral oration, Sgt Dalet Danfari Akawala was described as a direct descendant of the pioneer Mascot of the Division, Sgt Farin Doki, who served from 1995 until it died in 2011.
After Sgt Farin Doki’s death, the Division acquired a new mascot, Sgt Danfari Akawala, who served until he died in 2014. Sgt Danfari Akawala’s foal, Sgt Dalet, succeeded its father as the Division’s Mascot on January 1, 2015, and faithfully served until its demise on January 24, 2025.
The funeral ceremony concluded with prayers offered by Lt Col Ugwu, the Acting Deputy Director of Chaplain Services (Protestant), and was attended by senior officers, officers, soldiers, and their families.
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