Nigerian Army Celebrates 2023 WASA In Grand Style(PHOTOS)

Headquarters 1 Division Nigerian Army(NA) has celebrated her year 2023 West African Social Activities(WASA) in grand style on 27 January 2024 at the 2 Battalion Parade Ground Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna.

While welcoming the dignitaries that graced the occasion, the chief host who is also the General Officer Commanding(GOC) 1 Division NA, Maj Gen VU Okoro, expressed his delight to the distinguished audience and invited guest for gracing the ocassion stating that WASA is an event where the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the NA is been showcased.

He added that the event also create an avenue for officers, soldiers and their families socialize freely with the general public so as to promote peaceful co-existence between the military and the civil communities.

The GOC used the opportunity to appraised the immediate past training year which he said was successfully executed in line with the NA training directive and recorded monumental and resounding successes.

He added that during the outgoing year, the Division in its operations rescued over 270 kidnapped victims, neutralized several insurgents and arrested many suspected informants, collaborators as well recovered diverse calibre of arms and ammunition.

Gen Okoro acknowledged and applauded the immense contributions of sister security agencies in curtailing criminal elements in the state while calling for more collaboration and support in the new year.

He used the occasion to specially thanked and appreciates the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TA Lagbaja for his continuous support and unwavering commitment in enhancing professionalism and regimentation in the NA.

In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani who was represented by the Administrator Kaduna Capital Authority and Supervising Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan said it was great pleasure to be part of the huge gathering of the beautiful Stallion family to celebrate and share with them the joyful occasion of the year 2023 WASA.

Governor Uba Sani added that the yearly occasion served as an avenue for the various tribes and cultures in the barracks community to showcase their uniqueness and rich heritage noting that the event would foster unity and strong bond among the cultural diversity of the barrack community. He further stated that WASA remains a famous tradition that brings troops and their family together in a greater harmonious relationship.

He then commended the GOC for the sacrifices and efforts of 1 Division in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, violent extremists and other forms of crimes in the State. He expressed joy over the GOC’s unwavering dedication towards ensuring peaceful co-existence in the operational area of the Division.

The event had in attendance the representative of the Governor of Kaduna State, representative of the Emir of Zazzau, former GOC 1 Division Maj Gen KI Muktar (Rtd) representatives of Commandant NDA, Commander Infantry Corps, Commandant AFCSC, DG DICON and AOC ATC. Others are Commandants of NASI, MLAILPKC, WOA and other NA Schools in Kaduna State, representative of Commissioner of Police, heads of security agencies in Kaduna State, captains of industries and head of private organisations, community, traditional and religious leaders and representative of Chairperson NAOWA 1 Division Chapter among others.

Highpoints of the event were cultural displays, comedy, tug of war contest, presentation of award to deserving soldiers and presentation of gifts to the Special Guest of Honour and other dignitaries.