…AS UNIT CELEBRATE 2023 WASA
By Okosun Dennis
The Commanding Officer (Rear) 192 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Owode–Yewa, Major Bashir Bala has vowed to provide robust security within its area of responsibilities, especially at the border lines between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
Towards that end, he has reaffirmed his commitment to sustain and maintain cordial relationships with other security agencies to ensure that anti-smuggling activities within that axis are brought to their barest minimum.
“We shall collaborate with the leading agency for Anti-smuggling operations – Nigeria Customs Service in checkmating transborder crimes and smuggling of contrabands within our Areas of Responsibility.
The Commanding Officer, Major Bala spoke on Saturday, 3rd February 2024 during the activities marking 192 Battalion (Rear) West African Social Activities (WASA), which was held at 192 Battalion (Rear) Barracks, Owode – Yewa Ogun.
While commending the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja for his Command Philosophy, “To transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional Responsibilities within a joint Environment,” said it has served as an opium and a motivating factor.
On the significance of WASA, Major Bala explained that over the years, it has served as a key factor in strengthening social relationships among officers, soldiers and their families. It also provided an avenue for informal social interaction and a forum for the barracks community to showcase its rich and diverse cultural heritage.
On modest achievements within the last year, Major Bala stated that the Unit recorded lots of operational successes in 2023 including the interception of smugglers of illegal weapons and arrest of some suspects. On his part, the Special Guest of Honour (SGOH), Major General SO Olabanji (retd) in his remarks stated that with the indigenization of the Nigerian Army, West African Social Activities (WASA) metamorphosed into Nigerian Army Social Activities (NASA), which has allowed both serving and retired military officers to showcase their dancing prowess while dressed in their gorgeous traditional attires.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman Organizing Committee, Major Nze Kingsley Alozie, thanked God for making the day a reality and for the successful conduct of WASA 2023.
Highlights of the event were magnificent cultural displays, Tug of War, Presentation of Awards to deserving soldiers, and distribution of palliatives to widows and wounded in-action soldiers. Others included a presentation of gifts, observance of the Regimental beating of the Retreat and lighting of Camp fire.
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