General Shoboiki Commends Troops For Keeping Lagos Safe

General Shoboiki Commends Troops For Keeping Lagos Safe

Officers and soldiers of Headquarters Nigerian Army Engineers ( NAE) and 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) have been commended for successfully keeping Lagos and Ogun State safe in the year 2023.

They were also advised to consolidate on those successes made in the year 2023 by redoubling their efforts in the new year to stem any form of security challenges that might want to disrupt the peace and tranquillity enjoyed in Lagos State and environs.

The commendation was made recently by a former General Officer Commanding 1 Division NA Major General JO Shoboiki (Rtd), who was the Special Guest of Honour during the combined West African Social Activities (WASA) 2023 organized recently by Headquarters NAE and Headquarters 81 Division NA at 65 Battalion Parade Ground, Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Deliverying his speech at the occasion, Major General Shoboiki commended officers and soldiers of host formations for their high level of professionalism and sacrifices which according to him has no doubt contributed immensely to the relative peace and security within Lagos State and its environs.

General Shoboiki, a former General Officer Commanding 1 Division NA, enjoined troops to be more vigilant and ensure that they carry out their duties in the new year diligently with all sense of professionalism.

He reminded the troops of the role they play in the security of Lagos State and its
environs, tasking them not to rest on their oars but put in more effort to keep their Area of Responsibility safe.

He noted that year 2023 was a very busy and tasking one for troops of the NA generally as they conducted so many operations, training exercises, seminars/conferences, regimental parades and other administrative activities. He therefore added that, occasionally, troops need to relax, dine, wine and celebrate at the end of a successful year which he said could only be achieved through WASA.

He described WASA as an age long tradition introduced by the colonial founding fathers of the West African Frontier Forces from where the NA emerged with the aim of strengthening social coersion among personnel and their families.

The Special Guest of Honour, while congratulating best soldiers for the year from all units on their successes, charged other soldiers to remain steadfast in carrying out their duties so as to be recognized during the next WASA.

General Shoboiki also poured encomiums on the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja for his guidance, exceptional skills, and for his special attention to the welfare of officers and soldiers of the NA.

According to him, he said that since the appointment as the COAS, Lt Gen Lagbaja has made professionalism, training, and welfare of personnel key aspects of his command. In his words, ” I am aware that the COAS has continuously reassured troops of his commitment to their welfare which is one of his top priorities”.

General Shoboiki, the Balogun of Ikenne Remo further thanked and appreciated the Commander Corps of Engineers and the General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA for celebrating their troops during WASA 2023.

On his part, the Commander, Corps of Engineers Major General PE Eromosele who said year 2023 was a huge success as it witnessed the conduct of Exercise CLEAN SWEEP during which over 2000 Unexploded Ordnance were recovered and detonated at the site of 2002 bomb blast in Ikeja Cantonment. He added that the year ended with the fourth quarter conference and inter formation competitions as well as a pulling out ceremony in honour of retired Generals.

General Eromosele further stated that 81 Division has carried out some critical activities which according to him, includes Exercise STILL WATERS III, which has recorded lots of successes in Lagos and its environs

Speaking in similar vein, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division NA, Major General MT Usman noted that WASA apart from being an avenue for celebrating African Heritage, said the occasion is also enshrined in the NA Customs and Traditions to promote regimentation as well strengthening the bond of friendship among personnels and their families.

The GOC, while commending officers and soldiers of the division and Headquarters NAE for successful year 2023, said that the West African Social Activities is an opportunity for everyone to interact in a more relaxed atmosphere after a hectic year.

He also described the occasion as a time where awards are given to distinguished personnels in recognition of their efforts and hard work during the year under review.

Highlights of the WASA were a display of cultural dances by different cultural groups, a tug of war, presentation of souvenirs and awards to the Special Guests as well as deserving soldiers and winners of cultural display. A Beating of the Retreat and lighting of the bonfire was used to climax the event.