…”NO SPACE FOR CRIMINAL ELEMENTS” – BRIG GEN ADETUYI
By Okosun Dennis & Alex Olise
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo- Olu, has commended officers and men of the 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ikeja Cantonment for their unflinching contribution in providing adequate security across the state.
He applauded them for making the Centre of Excellence more conducive for residents and business operators.
The Governor who spoke at the 2023 West Africa Social Activities (WASA), held at the 9 Brigade Parade Ground, Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos on Saturday, 10th February, 2024, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Akinmade Ayinde.
He expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the Nigerian Army in tackling terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and ethno- religious crises among others in Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
He further praised the spirit with which they have sustained the agelong discipline in the Army which made the Command to continue to maintain WASA as an annual event that promotes unity and camaraderie in the barracks as it brings together all the ethnic groups across the country.
He specifically thanked the Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Adegoke Adetuyi for his leadership role in the Cantonment and his excellent work.
Earlier, the Commander, 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig Gen Adegoke Adetuyi assured of continued security and safety of all law-abiding citizens within his domain adding that every criminal element would have the military to contend with and be dealt with squarely.
On his achievements, he disclosed that 9 Brigade has lived up to its slogan as the “Fit to Fight” Brigade in the Year 2023, through the hard work and commitments of officers and soldiers of the Brigade as evident in various successfully conducted number of operations and exercises, geared towards giving necessary support to constituted authority, in order to maintain peace and security.
According to Brig. Gen. Adetuyi, topmost of such gallery of achievements included the recently concluded Exercise Still Waters III, Operation AWATSE, Operation IRON FENCE and Operation MESA all within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility, covering Lagos and parts of Ogun States as well as other various operations conducted at the Battalion levels under the Brigade.
On the importance of WASA, “It’s an age-long tradition practiced in the Nigerian Army which provides an avenue for personnel, families, friends, and the host communities to close ranks and socialize in a relaxed environment while displaying the rich diverse cultural heritage of our nation.
“It also provides a platform to honour personnel that distinguished themselves in various categories in the past year,” Brig Gen Adegoke Adetuyi explained.
During the event, various ethnic and cultural groups were on the ground to entertain the guests. Among them included Dancers comprising females and males from the Tiv ethnic group and “Atilogu” dancers from the Igbo-speaking part of Nigeria.
The high point of the event was the barracks’ children’s dancing competition which fostered the bonds and spirit of oneness that defines life in the barracks.
Special awards were presented to deserving nine soldiers who stood out and performed diligently in line with their duties in the year 2023.
Also, two students of the Army Secondary School, Ikeja received awards for their excellent performance in their academic pursuits during the year 2023.
To spice up the events of WASA, the Tug of War competition between female soldiers and women in the barracks saw the female soldiers overwhelming the women and won.
In attendance at the 2023 WASA organised by 9 Brigade Ikeja Cantonment were the Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon Gbenga Oyerinde, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command.
Others were various Heads of security and paramilitary agencies within Lagos State, Royal Fathers, Zonal Coordinator of Nigerian Army Officers Wives Associations and members, various Commandants of Nigerian Army schools within Lagos State, and other dignitaries.
In his Vote of thanks, the Co-chairman Organizing Committee, Lt Col MO Yusuf, thanked all for honouring their invitations as the observance of the regimental beating of retreat and Bonfire brought a colourful 2023 WASA to an unforgettable end.
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