The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a secure environment for socio-economic activities and sustainable development across the South East, assuring residents that troops remain resolute in protecting lives and property in the region.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, gave the assurance on Saturday at the Abakpa Military Cantonment Parade Ground, Enugu, during the 2025 West Africa Social Activities (WASA) organised by Headquarters 82 Division.
“Be rest assured of the commitment of the officers and men of this Division to ensuring the safety and security for socio-economic activities and development to thrive within the South East,” Fadairo said.
GOC Commends Troops for Operational Resilience
The GOC commended commanders and troops under his command for what he described as sustained resilience and operational successes in the field.
“I must commend my indefatigable formations and units’ commanders and troops for the continued resilience in the field, which has yielded successes,” he said.
“I urge you all to sustain the tempo as we discharge our constitutional responsibilities,” he added.
WASA Promotes Unity, Culture and Civil-Military Relations
Fadairo explained that West Africa Social Activities (WASA) remains a core military tradition designed to promote unity, cohesion and cultural understanding within the Nigerian Army, despite the demands of modern military operations.
“The observation of WASA has been conceptualised as an annual event across Nigerian Army units and formations,” he said.
“It provides a platform for reinforcing unity, resilience and mutual understanding, with emphasis on family inclusion, cultural sensitivity, moral development and civil-military relations.”
Tracing the origins of the tradition to the West African Frontier Force (WAFF) era, Fadairo noted that early soldiers from present-day Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and The Gambia relied on communal activities to build trust and cohesion.
“These interactions laid the foundation for a shared West African military culture built on communal values and mutual respect,” he said.
Army Appreciates Enugu Govt, Chief of Army Staff
The GOC expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, for providing strategic guidance and resources for the event.
He also thanked the Enugu State Government for its consistent partnership in security matters.
“My appreciation goes to the Enugu State Governor, ably represented by the Deputy Governor, for being a reliable partner in our joint pursuit of national security objectives,” Fadairo said.
Enugu Govt Praises Armed Forces’ Sacrifices
Speaking on behalf of Governor Peter Mbah, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai, commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting the country.
“On behalf of a grateful state, I want to say thank you to the Army, the Air Force and the Navy for all the incredible work you have done and continue to do to protect us,” Ossai said.
He stressed that the sacrifices of military families also deserved recognition.
“Today is not just about the men and women in uniform who go into harm’s way; it is also about their families who stay behind while they defend us,” he added.
Ossai described the relationship between the Enugu State Government and security agencies as cordial and productive.
“It is not hidden that we have a warm and healthy relationship with the Army, Police, Air Force, DSS, Navy and NSCDC,” he said.
Cultural Displays, Dignitaries Grace Event
Ossai praised the organisation of the event, describing it as “exceptional, well organised, well disciplined and well orchestrated.”
Highlights of the celebration included cultural dance performances by the Enugu State Cultural Troupe and Amata-Mgbowo Atilogwu Cultural Troupe, as well as a cooking competition involving departments and units of the 82 Division.
Senior military officers, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries attended the event.
