COAS Continues To Promote The Sustenance Of WASA As An Annual Event — GOC 2 Division

COAS Continues To Promote The Sustenance Of WASA As An Annual Event — GOC 2 Division

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Bamidele Alabi, has said that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has continued to promote the sustenance of West African Social Activities (WASA), as an annual event in the Nigerian Army (NA). General Alabi, made the statement, while delivering his welcome address, on 27th January, 2024, during the 2 Division WASA 2023 celebrations, at Major General JM Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan.

The GOC, specially welcomed the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Oluwaseyi Makinde, who was the special guest of honour at the event and all invited guests for the time they had spared to grace the occasion. He appreciated members of Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), Nigerian Army Soldiers Wives Association (NASWA) and the entire families of 2 Division personnel for their support in the Division’s activities and for being part of 2023 WASA celebrations. He said that the activities of WASA were inherited from the colonial era after World War II, and that it has been entrenched as a major annual social event in the Nigerian Army. “WASA is an annual event that afford soldiers and their families the opportunity to interact with their host communities”, he added.

Further in his address, the GOC, said that WASA, provides personnel the opportunity to celebrate their cultural heritage in a more conducive atmosphere, while fostering espirit de corps. He said that the COAS, in efforts to convey his command philosophy to troops, which is “To transform the NA into a Well – Trained, Equipped and Highly Mativated Force Towards Achieving Our Constitutional Responsibilities Within a Joint Environment”, has continued to promote the sustenance of WASA as an annual event to maintain our culture and traditions.

“The various formations and units of 2 Division within Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, are today prepared to treat our guests to exotic cultural dances, displays and exquisite cuisines. These activities would be culminated with the beating of retreat to mark the end of the occasion”.

The GOC also commended troops of 2 Division NA, for all their good efforts at sustaining peace and security within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR). He said that their priceless efforts within the period under review, have contributed immensely to all ongoing operations towards ensuring peace and security in Nigeria and other relevant missions outside the country. He urged them to continue to be hardworking, discipline and remain loyal to the President and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “We must also remain resolute and highly committed towards achieving the COAS’ Command Philosophy, with emphasis on sound administration, effective leadership and operational effectiveness.” He further encouraged troops to respect constitutional authorities; adding that 2 Division will remain proactive in responding to security challenges and dealing with threats to peace and security of Oyo State in cooperation with other security agencies within the Division’s AOR.

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, who was represented by his Senior Special Adviser on security trust funds, Fatai Owoseni, Commissioner of Police (Rtd), expressed gratitude to the GOC for inviting him to participate in the 2023 WASA celebrations. Governor Makinde, said that the event is an aged long tradition, which serves as a medium to rejoice and strengthen the spirit of comradeship amongst the various units of the service. “It is also a way of giving glory to the Almighty God, who has made us to survive the past year. Those the Almighty God has deemed to take to himself, are not less loved”. He prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of all the departed officers and soldiers of the NA and other services.

Governor Makinde, on behalf of the good people of Oyo State, expressed gratitude to the NA, for the leading role it has continued to play in synergizing with other security agencies to ensure maximum security in the state and the nation at large. He thanked the GOC, 2 Division and his troops, for their hard work towards sustaining good civil military relations in the state. He said that their efforts in ensuring a safer and well secured Oyo State, especially with emphasis on the recent incident of explosion in Ibadan, are well appreciated. “As we start the new year, the state looks forward to a strengthened collaboration to tackle the evolving security challenges which the dynamics of the society will bring forth. Security being one of the cardinal programmes of the state and a major factor that drives social and economic growth, the state shall continue to provide the basic requirements for NA troops and other services to deliver on their mandates.”

The celebration featured several music and dance displays from Nigeria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. There were also tug of war and children dance competitions.

High points of the event were, guided tour of formations and units stands, presentation of souvenirs and group photograph.