…AS 149 BATTALION CELEBRATES WASA
By Okosun Dennis
Nigerian Army has been described as a great ambassador of our cultural heritage who has consistently kept, harmonize and unified every ethnic group in Nigeria.
This was made known by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Femi Hamzat on Saturday at the 149 Battalion Parade Ground, Ojo Military Cantonment, Lagos during the 2021 West African Social Activities (WASA).
The Deputy Governor who was the Special Guest of Honuor, was represented by the Commissioner of Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu Fatai.
He applauded the army for their commitment, dedication and discipline which has been their hallmark in the fight against insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and terrorism in Nigeria.
In his remarks, Fatai said that “Your display of uncommon loyalty, resilience, bravery and patriotism in ensuring peace in the country is commendable. I urge you to continue to sustain the discipline and integrity for which the Nigerian Army is known for.
“You are not only soldiers at the battle-front but great ambassadors of our cultural heritage. Therefore, we need to encourage and appreciate your patriotism by ensuring that the security of the country is protected.”
On supporting the military to achieve the task of protecting the territorial integrity of the country and ensure that the widows and families of fallen heroes are taken care of, Fatai added that “We have always empowered the widows and have a lot of activities in our programme either in women empowerment through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Wealth Creation and would continue to train our women and artisans.
“It is important we show love to the children and to the Nigerian military to ensure Nigeria remains United. We are happy to see our children happy as most of their parents are out there protecting this country.”
However, the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Major General Lawrence Fejokwu was represented by the 9 Brigade Commander, Brig Gen Lader Saraso who graced the occasion with his amiable wife and members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA).
Earlier in his welcome address as the host Commanding Officer, Major Salisu Abdulrahman expressed joy and happiness for the opportunity to celebrate with families of officers, soldiers and friends after a “tedious and tough year of training and operations” coming together in a relaxed atmosphere to drink and wine.
Explaining the importance of WASA, Major Abdulrahman noted that it has its roots planted during the pre-colonial era and has transcended history from one generation to another.
As it were, it is a forum for troops to appreciate themselves having served and successfully carried out various operations and training exercises and to wish themselves well and prepare for the coming year.
While reflecting on the outgoing year, the Commanding Officer added that it has been a “tedious year” full of lots of training adding that the Nigerian Army went through a lot in 2021 hence they must appreciate God for his benevolence.
“I appreciate the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya whose passion and professionalism provided funds to organise WASA. This is a testimony to his drive towards improving regimentation in the Nigerian Army.
“I salute your courage in all your efforts at combating insurgency in the North East and North West. We assure you of our loyalty and dedication.”
WASA which has all the trappings of dramatic elements had various traditional dances which reflected most of the cultural identities and appurtenances of the rich cultural heritage ranging from the Ibos, Yorubas, Hausas and other ethnic identities were richly on display to the admiration of families and friends of the military that attended the lavish event.
The high point of the display was that of Okwute Blessing Uche whose anaerobic styles swept everybody off his/her feets cheering and clapping for her ingenuity and flexibility.
There were awards to deserving soldiers for their exemplary service in their assigned duties criss-crossing various aspects. Among them were L/Cpl Mary Okoh; CPL Bashir Abdullahi and WO Nkereumen Unukak who got awarded for being the most hard-working soldiers while the winner of the Tug of War went to the Magagiya having trashed the female soldiers after two rounds of rigorous pulls while the Nearest Camp went to Camp 3 PTF.
The event was rounded off with band display and Beating of Retreat and Camp fire which was lit by the representative of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Hon. Commissioner of Housing, Moruf Akinderu Fatai.
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/nigerian-army-a-great-ambassador-of-cultural-heritage-deputy-gov-femi-hamzat/
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