Day soldiers paraded their ‘civilian’ side

It was pomp as the Premier Brigade held the Nigerian Army combined West African Social Activities (WASA) for 2019. Remarkable activities featured in the event held at the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Gusau parade ground in Zamfara State. It was indeed an event of great beauty and grandeur, including award presentations, tug-of-war contests, […]

It was pomp as the Premier Brigade held the Nigerian Army combined West African Social Activities (WASA) for 2019.

Remarkable activities featured in the event held at the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Gusau parade ground in Zamfara State.

It was indeed an event of great beauty and grandeur, including award presentations, tug-of-war contests, performances by various cultural dance groups, local magicians, snake charmers and the “Yan Tauri,” amongst others.

A total of 10 traditional ethnic dance groups across Nigeria were said to have been invited to perform at the event.

The assistant director, Army Public Relations, 1 Brigade, Captain Ayobami Oni-Orisan stated that, “The WASA gives formations and units the opportunity to mix with one another in a social setting, while also being a veritable avenue to promote civil-military relations, a practice the Nigerian Army holds in very high esteem.”

He described the WASA as an annual social event organised in the formations of the Nigerian Army to give thanks to God for the end of a successful training year.

“This dates back to the days of the West African Frontier Force when the British colonial commanders incorporated a social forum into African military life for soldiers to display local customs and ways of life.

“It was, and is still used to showcase the rich cultural, traditional or customary heritage of members of the Nigerian Army,” Captain Oni-Orisan recalled.

At the event, awards were presented to 1 Brigade personnel who distinguished themselves in their various places of deployments during the year.

Among the award recipients were the 1 Brigade acting garrison commander, Major G.E Etubus, the acting commanding officer, 1 Military Intelligence Regiment, Major A.A Bello and the commanding officer (Rear) 1 Battalion, Major M.J Abdulkarim.

Two tug-of-war contests took place – the Brigade’s female soldiers versus ‘Barracks women,’ as well as the Brigade’s male soldiers and the reigning tug-of-war champions in Nigeria, the Nigeria Police team from the Sokoto State police command.

The Brigade’s soldiers won the two competitions.

Governor Bello Mohammed of Zamfara State, who was the special guest of honour for the occasion, performed the lighting of the bonfire.

The governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Alhaji Bala Bello Maru.

In his remark, the commander, 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Gusau, Brigadier-General Olatokunbo Musiliu Bello, urged Nigerians to enhance peaceful co-existence, unity and integration.

He assured that the Brigade was combat-ready to secure Zamfara State and its people, in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army.

Brigadier-General Bello extolled Buratai’s continued support to all the  activities of the Brigade.

He lauded the top priority given to the welfare of the troops.

Among distinguished personalities at the event were acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Aminu Bande, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, Sarkin Katsinan Gusau, Emir of Gusau, heads of various security agencies in Zamfara State, and the state coordinator, of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).