GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU COMMENDED THE ARMY AS 9 BRIGADE MARKS ITS END OF YEAR 2019 WASA ACTIVITIES.

By Dedeigbo Ayodeji
The Lagos State Governor ,Mr.Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu was yesterday commended 9brigade Nigeria Army as  they mark their end of the year west African Social Activities .
The program which held yesterday at the parade ground of 9brigade Nigeria Army Barracks in Onigbongbo ,Maryland ,area of Lagos State Southwest Nigeria.
The 9 Brigade of Nigerian Army at Ikeja Cantonment at the  Brigade Garrison parade ground in Lagos yesterday marked its  year 2019 West African Social Activities (WASA) in a grand style.  WASA, which is an age long tradition inherited from the founding fathers of the Nigerian Army was borne out of the need to socialize and celebrate success recorded within a particular period. It is an annual event designed to reduce tensions and stress which would enable troops forge ahead to face the future with renewed vigor. It further  provides enabling environment for the officers and men to wine and dine with their  families and immediate  communities as well as showcasing the diverse cultural heritage that the Nigerian nation is made of after a successful training and operational year.

The Special Guest of Honour, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu at the occasion commended the professionalism and resilience of the troops  in sustaining peace and tranquillity in  the State. Represented  by Commissioner for Special Duties, Engr Tayo Bamigbose-Martins, stated that the State appreciated the efforts of the troops and  encourage them to build on their last year's  performance  to ensure a successful  outing in this year  2020.

Welcoming the audience, the Chief Host, the Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Musa Awwal Etsu-Ndagi said WASA is meant to take officers away from their routine regimental  life and make them comfortable  in a relaxed mood.

Highlights  of the event were performances from different cultural troupes including  Ijumu Kabba, Yoruba, Nupe, Igbo, and comedy.  Tug of war competition between female soldiers and female corp members as well as Male soldiers of 9 Brigade Garrison and Other Service units of the Headquarters were featured. To boost morale and encourage the for better future performance, 15 Soldiers that have  distinguished themselves were given awards for their  outstanding performance in the year 2019.

The event was climaxed with beating of the retreat and lighting of camp fire.

The occasion was graced by the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Nigerian Army, ably represented by Chief of Staff, Brig Gen Nsikak Edet, Commander NNS Beecroct, Reps of AOC LC, Comdt NAFRC and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command as well as other Heads of Sister security agencies/Captain of industries. Pictures attached.
Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Tayo Bamgbose Martins,said ,"The WASA ,program is a very lovely thing this is a program that happened every year in fact I'm very happy to be here.
"The program is a social program, and you can see how the crowd was ,in fact crowd looms the WASA program.
" It shows that it is very popular,and clearly it is intended.
"Indicated the difference between the divers cultures in the Army .
" This kind of thing you know that this is the kind of program that we need.
"I'm happy to be in the program, in fact I have enjoyed myself.
" I hope that I will be here again next year. He Concluded."
Also speaking ,Lagos State Commissioner of Police ,CP Hakeem Olusegun Odumosu,said,"we started this actually, but it is an Opportunity to let down stress in the Job,and its improve our health and equally improve our strength to fight Crime and other.
I really enjoyed myself." He Concluded.