By Usman Aliyu
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo has commended the military for its support and cooperation in tackling crime in the state.
Okpebholo said this on Sunday in Benin, in his remarks at the 2024 West African Social Activities (WASA) of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Gani Audu, the governor noted that 2024 ended successfully with unprecedented successes in the war against crimes in the state, particularly during the Yuletide period.
According to him, the support and cooperation of the military, provided a secured environment for the peace loving people of Edo to celebrate both Christmas and New Year freely.
“I want to commend the 4 Brigade, for its efforts at ensuring peaceful coexistence with its host community and the general populace.
“This has boosted public confidence and ensured the safety of lives and property in the State. Therefore, we solicit for more support and cooperation.”
Okpebholo also commended other security agencies in the state for their unflinching support to the brigade
He noted that WASA was meant to take soldiers and officers, away from their routine regimented life through an atmosphere where they could unwind and relax freely with one another, their families and civilians.
Earlier, the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, described WASA as an age-long military tradition, aimed at creating a social and conducive atmosphere for the relaxation of officers, soldiers, their families and host communities.
Oduyebo explained that WASA could be traced to as far back as the Second World War, when the Nigerian Army fought as part of the larger West African Frontier Force.
“During this period, indigenous West African Armies come together to celebrate their cultural heritage with their kinsmen at the end of every year.
“In the past, delegates were usually sent to the military by the village heads to seek the release of soldiers for this yearly ritual.
“However, instead of releasing the soldiers yearly to perform the ritual at their country homes, the colonial military authorities then, incorporated this tradition to the armies and named it WASA.
“WASA plays a vital role, of reminding the older generation of the Barracks community of the good times in Nigerian villages and at the same time, connecting the younger generation who were probably born outside their traditional communities to their roots,” he said.
The Brigade Commander, also said that WASA had in contemporary time become an avenue where the formations and units showcase their achievements.
He noted that the brigade was able to achieve its training objectives for 2024, which was to improve professionalism and sustain regimentation.
He stressed that WASA had helped to command the confidence of soldiers, foster esprit-de-corps and share in the spirit of existing cultural diversity of personnel and their families.
He, however, reassured the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Brigade’s unalloyed loyalty to their leadership and the country.
In the same vein, Maj-Gen. Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, noted that the event was for the army to interact and socialise with its host community to appreciate its supports.
Represented by Brig-Gen. Beyidi Martins, Chief of Staff of the division, he called for a greater synergy between the army and other sister security agencies in 2025.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured traditional dances, tug of war and inspection of various units and subunit stands, with a beating of retreats, burnfire and food display competition.
(NAN)
