The Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor has reiterated Nigeria’s deep recognition and respect for the sacrifices of its military personnel, highlighting their valor and patriotism as the nation celebrates their contributions.
General Irabor made this statement during the West African Social Activities (WASA) 2024, hosted at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground in Mogadishu Barracks, Abuja.
He emphasised that the strength and effectiveness of the Nigerian troops are deeply rooted in the country’s rich cultural diversity, drawn from various tribes across the nation.
According to Irabor, this diversity is a vital source of unity and strength for the military, which informed the establishment of WASA as an annual celebration.
Irabor further noted that the Nigerian military stands as a symbol of cultural and traditional representation, making the celebration of WASA an important event that highlights the unity derived from the nation’s varied heritage.
He said; “Nigerian military has recorded well-documented victories from participation in the First and Second World Wars, various peacekeeping operations across the globe, and today is involved in security operations in many of the civil authorities across several states of our country, where huge successes have been recorded. There are other formal engagements beyond the traditional defense and security duties being undertaken which have contributed to national growth and development.”
The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede said; “the West African Social Activities offers the perfect atmosphere for service personnel, their family members, loved ones, and their wishers to come together to celebrate the end of the year’s activities.
The Army Chief said as the contemporary security environment in which the Nigerian Army operates is highly demanding reducing family fun time to near zero, the social engagements therefore offer a way for Army workers to form and encourage social interactions within the barracks.
“The Army recognises the huge expectations of Nigerians, and it is committed to addressing all security threats effectively, recognising that peace and security are essential for meaningful development in any society.
“I assure you that the Nigerian Army will continue to foster stronger partnerships to enhance our collective capacity to address the nation’s security challenges.
“To my officers, saviours, and their families, I want to express my unwavering commitment to your welfare and well-being. I have the privilege of visiting and conducting these challenges without any perturbation, and I have started addressing them within available resources,” Lieutenant General Oluyede said.
In his address, the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General Koko Isoniin said; “the event serves as a vehicle to enhance esprit de corps and the spirit of brotherliness within a command as it further avails the command an avenue to appreciate God and the personnel for their individual and collective contributions to the command’s activities in the outgone year.”
He expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Nigerian Army on behalf of officers, soldiers and the Army Headquarters Garrison community for ceaseless commitment to the welfare of Army Headquarters Garrison personnel.
The event featured presentations of awards to outstanding personnel, cultural dances and displays, food competitions, tug of water, lighting of the burn fire amongst others.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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