KADUNA – The Deputy Director, Department of Civil-Military Affairs, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Aminu Umar, says it is fully committed to further improving soldiers’ welfare.
He, however, urged the officers and soldiers of Basawa Barracks, Zaria, Kaduna State, to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and resilience in addressing the nation’s contemporary security challenges.
Umar also said that the army would always emphasise the welfare the soldiers and their families.
Umar spoke on Saturday as the Special Guest of Honour at the Basawa Barracks for the West Africa Social Activities (WASA) 2025 on Saturday.
He said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, had the ‘soldier first’ as the pivot of his administration.
He added that in 2026, the COAS would be much engaged on the welfare of the soldiers and their families as such all the challenges affecting the Basawa Barracks as well as other Military Barracks would significantly be addressed.
While speaking on the event, Umar said the celebration was marked by enthusiasm and colourful cultural displays, which reflected the unity and camaraderie of the barracks community.
” You also saw how it all played along the joy and enthusiasm displayed by the barracks family and soldiers of the three military formations which included the Nigerian Army School of Military Police.
Others, he said, were the Nigerian Army School of Legal Services and 11 Field Engineering Regiment.
Umar described WASA as the culmination of the yearly activities, organised to socialise with family members and provide an opportunity to unwind at the end of the training year, while preparing for the new training cycle.
Umar also praised the impressive cultural displays by the various groups during WASA, saying that they showcased Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and reinforced unity, mutual respect, and social cohesion within the barracks community.
“I therefore urge the officers and men of Basawa Barracks to continue to uphold professionalism and resilience, and to train purposefully toward taming the contemporary security challenges affecting some parts of the country,” he added.
The senior officer reiterated that discipline, dedication, and professionalism remained crucial as the Nigerian Army consolidates its achievements in maintaining peace and stability across the country.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Military Police, Brig.- Gen. Onalo Yakubu, described WASA as more than a social gathering.
He said it symbolised shared history, cultural diversity, and a collective commitment to peace and stability within the Area of Responsibility.
He thanked the guests and the organising committee members, encouraging the participants to use the platform to strengthen unity, cooperation, and friendship. (NAN)
