Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces have been urged to exhibit high level of professionalism and remain apolitical ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The Flag Officer Commanding, (FOC) the Eastern Naval Command, ENC, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu gave the advice at the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army’s West Africa Social Activities, WASA held in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
Rear Admiral Dewu, who was the Special Guest of Honour, appreciated the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Everest Okoro for maintaining a cordial relationship with other sister security agencies, which was yielding peaceful results within its area of operations.
Dewu also appreciated the Brigade Commander for hosting the 2022 WASA despite challenges arising from the incursion of Ambazonian militants from the Republic of Cameroun and demands of the nation’s internal security.
He urged the personnel of the 13 Brigade to exhibit a high level of professionalism as the 2023 general elections drew nearer to sustaining peace, stability and guaranteeing a free, fair, credible and transparent election.
“I urge you to consolidate on the gains achieved in the days and months ahead by creating an enabling environment where peace and security can be guaranteed. In particular, I enjoin you not to rest on your oars as we approach the forthcoming 2023 general election.
“You must continue to exhibit the same level of professionalism you have always displayed. Remember, as members of the armed forces, we must remain apolitical and be guided by the code of conduct for the election in all our actions.”
He affirmed that the diverse cultures of Nigeria formed the foundation for the people’s unity.
Rear Admiral Dewu said, “The array of cultural display exhibited has efficiently demonstrated our rich cultural heritage. We are very proud of our culture and indeed this WASA has presented yet another opportunity for us to appreciate our cultural diversity, which is the bedrock of our unity.”
“As we celebrate our cultures, let us not forget our officers and soldiers that are actively involved in various theatres of operation. We collectively want to use this opportunity to celebrate them and most importantly appreciate their sacrifices to the nation. Their continuous act of gallantry will continue to be our source of inspiration. May we also pray for the repose of the souls of our fallen heroes, who have paid the supreme price that we may live. It is against this backdrop that I also want to thank families of our troops for the sacrifices of supporting their husbands in the frontline.”
Dewu congratulated the award recipients for their commitment and dedication to duty, encouraging others to strive for hard work, excellence and professionalism to get the recognition for 2023 awards.
He added, “We must all continue to hold dear to our professional calling, reward discipline work within the ambit of the law and in accordance to the mandate of the ongoing internal security operations.”
Nigerian Army Honour Soldiers
Meanwhile, the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army has honoured its personnel for their outstanding performance in serving the nation at the 2022 West Africa Social Activities popularly called WASA.
Also honoured were two civilians, who served as members of the National Youth Service Corps at the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army Calabar in the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
The Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Everest Okoro said that one of the activities lined up to celebrate WASA, the age-long socio-cultural festival of the Nigerian Army was the presentation of awards of recognition to outstanding soldiers.
Brigadier General Okoro, who is the chief host, said that WASA “Provides a forum to recognize the personnel that excel and distinguish themselves in various areas of service during the year.”
The category of awards presented to the recipients included Most Disciplined Soldier 2022, Most Gallant Soldier 2022, Best Sports Male and Female Soldiers 2022, Best Hardworking Male and Female Soldier 2022, Best Driver and Best senior Non-Commissioned Officer 2022.
Unwinding After Work
On the significance of WASA, Brigadier General Okoro stated that the annual event demanded “Stock taking and formations activities at the end of each year. It also became an opportunity for personnel to interact and socialize with families and friends after passing through rigorous times during the year.”
He explained that the series of colourful activities were tailored to entertain the hundreds of spectators, which also included the Special Guest of Honour, the Flag Officer Commanding the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu.
While urging families, friends and well-wishers to enjoy the presentation, the Brigade Commander said, “I believe that this will also alter the perception that most military personnel tend to forget their roots once they join the military. It will also make you understand that soldiers are versatile and as such can adapt to any situation.”
He expressed appreciated the officers and soldiers of the 13 Brigade for what he described as their “Doggedness, diligence and resilience in accomplishing all the tasks and assignments in the past year,” and commended other security agencies for partnering with the Brigade “To deliver on its mandate of keeping Cross River State relatively secure and peaceful.”
The Highlight of the festival was the display of different cultural dances from across Nigeria such as the Bachama, which is native to the people of Adamawa, Swange associated with the Tiv people of Benue State and Igbo traditional display.
Others were Fulani dance, choreography by the 13 Brigade Barracks children, comedies, jokes and Thug of War between female soldiers and wives of soldiers as well as between serving corps members and youths of the 13 Brigade barracks.
The celebration ended with a burn fire after the various formations and units within the 13 Brigade displayed and presented an array of Nigerian dishes and juices to a panel of judges led by, Rear Admiral Dewu.
PIAK
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