The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army Headquarters and Commander Joint Taskforce North West “Operation Hadarin Daji,” Major General Godwin Mutkut, said troops will continue to consolidate on the successes recorded in 2023 this year.
General Mutkut stated this at the celebration of 2023 West African Social Activities (WASA) at Giginya Barracks in Sokoto State.
He said the celebration was an event usually organised to mark the end of a year’s training activities in the Nigerian Army and to usher in activities for the next year.
“WASA is an age-long tradition in the Nigerian Army, traceable to the pre-independence period.
“The tradition is part of Nigerian Army ethics, usually organised to enable officers, soldiers, their families and civilian friends to interact and merry in a conducive atmosphere. It further promotes comradeship, deepens esprit de corps, and strengthens unity among personnel,” he said.
According to the GOC, there was remarkable improvement in the operational and administrative performances, especially in the areas bordering on training and other requisite interventions that boosted troops’ fighting morale in the division.
He applauded the troop’s high standard of professionalism exhibited during Exercise SAFE CONDUCT of last year’s general elections, including other combat exercises under Operation HADARIN DAJI within 8 Division Areas of Responsibility.
He further noted that troops’ welfare and infrastructural development within 8 Division also received priority attention as multiple intervention projects were executed and commissioned.
“Prominent among the projects are the newly constructed 8th Division Headquarters Complex, the Commander’s official residence, the newly asphalted 1 km road in Giginya Cantonment, and the renovation of 12 blocks at Corporal and below Quarters, to mention but a few.
“The division remains grateful to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, for his unwavering support of 8 Division, especially in the areas of infrastructure and troops’ welfare,” he added.
In his remarks, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, represented by the Special Adviser on Security, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), noted that the army had made numerous positive sacrifices in keeping the country together, as symbolised by the WASA annual event, which showcased the different cultural and historical heritage of Nigeria.
“Is fast fostering unity, harmony and brotherhood within the military and Nigeria’s environment. “
While pointing out that the country was shrouded by multiple security challenges, the governor believed that the army remained the fulcrum and strategic institution capable of making Nigeria.
“The state government is saluting the military and families for their resilience and sacrifices and will continue to support you for sustained operations in defence of the country’s sovereignty as well as providing security to the state,” he said.
Meanwhile, no fewer than 21 soldiers of the Division who distinguished themselves in 2023 received different prizes and gifts as a thug of war between the GOC Garrison and the 26 Battalion Magajiyas, including various cultural troops, were displayed to climax the event.
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