…AS 192 BATTALION FETES TROOPS, FAMILIES
By Okosun Dennis
A member of the Federal House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Army authority to intensify its efforts on things that are social and cultural in nature that would enhance cohesiveness, peace and development in the barracks.
Hon. Kolawole Lawal Mobolorunduro who is representing Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency spoke on Monday during the West African Social Activities (WASA) organised by the 192 Battalion (Rear) at its Football Field, Owode Yewa, Ogun state.
Expressing his deep sense of fulfillment seeing great cultural display which reflected the cultural identities of Nigeria, said, “As a friend of the barracks and with the kind of robust security they provide within and around the environment, it’s also good we identify with their activities.
In a chat with our correspondent, he observed that insecurity was an issue everybody knows about and the leadership at the National Assembly, and especially those of the security architecture is doing a lot about it.
“We might not have done enough, but as a member of the National Assembly, and as part of our legislative agenda under Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, we have had a security summit to help solve the security problems in the country.
“I am a cultural person and very familiar with issues around culture and I am happy with what I am seeing in the barracks. We must continue to intensify our efforts on things that are social and cultural in nature that would make people come together and rejoice,” Hon. Kolawole reiterated.
The Special Guest of Honour and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Lawrence Fejokwu, who had earlier commissioned the renovated 192 Battalion (Rear) Headquarters, congratulated the Commanding Officer, Major Elkhana Lazarus for his ingenuity and swiftness in the completion of the project.
While commending the entire battalion, the GOC admonishes the officer not to be discouraged on starting a project as such an officer may not necessarily finish it due to posting that might come without any prior knowledge.
In his words, “We as officers, nothing is impossible. Never be afraid, you may initiate a project and might not be the one to complete it due to posting. But wherever you are, continue to pray that someday, someone will commission the project.
“You might also be lucky that you are the one that started the project and be the one to commission it. I thank you very much because you have made my day to have started this project and commissioned it.
“I urge you as officers especially Commanders that are here; this is not the time to go home and celebrate what we have achieved. Once you renovate a building, the next one becomes ugly. Let’s continue to add value to assets.”
On the activities marking the WASA, Gen Fejokwu added, “This is a well organised WASA as all the communities around the barracks are represented in line with the COAS directives that we should continue to maintain a cordial relationship with our host communities and other security agencies.
“Security is a work in progress and we would keep on doing our best,” he concluded.
While welcoming dignitaries, friends and families of officers and soldiers to the event, Commanding Officer Major Elkhana Lazarus said the 2021 West African Social Activities and End of the year party became necessary because it is an accepted practice of getting officers and soldiers’ families together in a social and conducive atmosphere to mark the end of the year.
Tracing its origin to the period of West African Frontier Force, when persons in the society whose ancestral background has some traditional or Customary heritage started joining the army and used to give them a home feeling and to show them that they are not broken from their culture despite being away from home, added that it allowed to feast and celebrate their traditions as if they were at home to avoid incessant requests for permission to travel when the periods arrives.
On the enormous achievements made by the battalion in the last training year, Major Lazarus added among others the security coverage of all the Area of Responsibilities (AOR) especially during the conduct of Ex Still Water 2021.
“The unit also boost of good personnel who have contributed immensely in the successes of the formation in various Sporting and training activities including the training of 297 members of 80 Regular Recruit Intakes and also completed scheduled training activities for the year 2021 successfully.
“In line with the pursuance of the COAS’ Vision of having “A Professional Nigerian Army Ready To Accomplish Assigned Missions within A Joint Environment in Defence of Nigerian”, we place a premium on training and discipline throughout the year and would frown at “all cases of indiscipline will be viewed seriously in tandem with NA provisions and would remain committed to our operational mandates.”
He expressed his gratitude to the sacrifices being made by the troops who are engaged in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency and other organised criminal gangs and prayed for strength to conquer the adversary.
The 2021 WASA was a spectacle to behold bringing to play rich cultural displays from different ethnic compositions. The anaerobic display by Blessing Uche was welcomed with a cheering ovation.
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/federal-legislator-calls-for-robust-cultural-social-activities-in-barracks/
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