…EULOGIZES FORCE FOR KEEPING TRADITION, CULTURE
By Okosun Dennis
It was one of the best West African Social Activities (WASA) organised in recent times as 81 Division, Nigerian Army Engineers and 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment fete officers, soldiers, families and friends at the 65 Battalion Parade Ground, Bonny Cantonment as they mark the 2024 WASA.
The top-notch event attracted dignitaries and guests from all walks of life as they jollificate in a relaxed mood, thanking God for the successes achieved in several operations in the last year and continuing with hopes and expectations in 2025.
In his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH), the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu applauded the Nigerian Army for their unwavering commitment, dedication and resilience, adding that their spirit of doggedness, standing tall in the face of danger and adversities, has continued to inspire him.
Represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, commended the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, Corp Commander, Nigerian Army Engineers, Major General Philip Eromosele and the Commander, 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment, Brig Gen Matthew Oyekola for their leadership role and camaraderie.
While eulogizing the force for ensuring peace and security in Lagos state in particular, added that their efforts in combating insecurity, maintaining law and order, and supporting government authority in Lagos in times of need have been instrumental in ensuring the “sovereignty, safety, vibrancy and prosperity of our nation.”
“You are our special breed, our heroes and pride of our nation; the protector of our community, and lives and properties. You are the symbol of our national unity. Your resilience in the face of danger, and your determination to safeguard our nation and its people are qualities that endear you to us.
“As the Governor, I am constantly inspired by the unwavering commitment and dedication displayed by officers who served in the Armed Forces. Your sacrifices, bravery and selflessness in the face of adversity are commendable.”
Gov Sanwo-Olu reminded them that we’re not just here to celebrate our shared heritage, our values and delicious cuisines, but also to reflect on the incredible resilience and strength that define our military across the region.
While pledging his support to the military, Gov. Sanwo-Olu observed that the security of the nation is a joint duty that must not be neglected hence conscious, intentional and deliberate incorporation in line with the state government’s T.H.E.M..E agenda. We would remain steadfast in collaborating with NA and all security agencies, he reiterated.
On his part, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Maj Gen Farouk Mijinyawa expressed joy and thanked God for the gift of another WASA, as it has become a yearly event that draws the curtain for the year’s activities, that promotes regimentation, champions the bond of unity among personnel and their families to wine in a relaxed atmosphere after a successful operation.
According to him “WASA heralds the beginning of a new year full of hopes and expectations. I commend all officers and soldiers for successfully executing all operations in the training directives for 2024.
While commending all the units for their untiring efforts, urged them to be steadfast. He applauded the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede for his guidance and for making the required budgets for all their operations and activities. He commended Lagos and Ogun states for their unrelenting support of Operation MESA.
However, the Corp Commander, Nigerian Army Engineers, Maj Gen Philip Eromosele used the opportunity as the host to highlight modest achievements by the Nigerian Army Engineers, which include successfully removing remnants of ordnances from the site of a 2002 bomb blast at the Ikeja Cantonment in the exercise co-named: “Clean Sweep.”
In addition, during the flood disaster in Maiduguri, the Corps intervened in rescuing the situation and rescued flood victims just as the Corps delivered during other interventions.
Several competitions that made it an unforgettable evening were the school children’s performance, Tug of War, and Suya Competition which saw 81 Division Finance outclassing 81 Div Provost and 81 Div Intelligence Brigade in the second and third positions respectively.
Cultural displays from the Bini people of Edo state, Hausa/Fulani; Igala, Yoruba, Tiv, Kanuri and Igbo cultural displays were masterpieces.
Highpoint of the event was the Beating of the Retreat and Lighting of the Bonfire to signal an end to the activities of 2024 West African Social Activities (WASA).
In his vote of thanks, the 81 Division Garrison Commander, Brig Gen Bukar thanked all that honoured their invitation to wine and dine with officers, soldiers and their families.
Present at the occasion included the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Commanding, Apapa, Rear Admiral MT Oamen, Representative of AIG Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Corp Commander, Nigerian Army Supply and Transport, Maj Gen Adegbite, NNS Beecroft Commander, former GOC, 81 Division, Maj Gen Diri (retd), traditional rulers and family and friends of officers and soldiers.
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