WASA2024: Makinde, 2 Div GOC, Obinna Onubogu Emphasize Unity, Cooperation Among Security Agencies
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu
IBADAN – Security agencies in the country have been urged to continue working in synergies towards ensuring a safe and secured society for all and sundry. Just as stakeholders at the West Africa Social Activities (WASA 2024) confirmed that security is a collective responsibilities of all.
WASA 2024 an annual event aimed at identifying, preserving Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, diversity and traditions within the Army Barracks held at the Major General John Inienger Stadium, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, 2 Division Nigerian Army Headquarters, Ojoo Ibadan had in attendance dignitaries from all works of life.
Speaking as a Special Guest of Honour at the event, the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde assured Nigerian Army of unwavering supports in order to ensure safety of citizens and residents of the state.
Governor Makinde who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal commended the Nigerian Army personnel, especially the men and officials of the 2 Division Command for their commitments towards ensuring peaceful coexistence in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
Governor Makinde in his words noted that the State government under his administration remain committed to promote the cordial relationship between the civil society and the military for better and greater understanding and mutual co-existence.
Makinde said, “I’m using this medium to express my sincere appreciation to the 2 Division Nigerian Army Command for its support to the present administration in curtailing the activities of kidnappers, Illegal miners, among other crimes and promoting peace and tranquility in Oyo state.
“I also commended the role of the Nigerian Army in collaborating with other security agencies to keep Oyo state peaceful and safe for the law abiding citizens. I’m equally urging Nigerian Army to maintain and sustain the tempo, as I’m assuring that the people of Oyo state will continue to support and cooperate with the Nigerian Army in order to achieve their goals in fighting against crimes and criminality in the state.
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“Nigerian security challenges is multifaceted and this can be linked to the porosity of our borders, which has given rooms for criminals elements from the neighboring countries to infiltrate into some of our villages and Cities carrying our their naferious activities such as banditry, illegal mining, kidnapping for ransom, proliferation of small arms and ammunition among others.
“We must commend the doggedness of officers and men of the Nigerian Army for their great role played to ward -off the menace of criminality in Oyo state and in Nigeria at large.
“The Nigerian Army West Africa Social Activities (WASA) remind us of our diversity, and our diversity lies in our country’s strength and unity. I must equally identify that Nigerian Army is a strong symbol of the unity of our great nation called Nigeria. Makinde said
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Obinna Onubogu assured the good
people of Oyo state of a well secured and safe environment.
While speaking about the importance of WASA celebration in the Army, the GOC said, “WASA program is an annual program that involved the Nigerian Army as it promote and showcase our diverse cultural heritage within various formations and units to mark the end of the year’s activities.
Major General Obinna Onubogu vowed to collaborate more with other sister security agencies in order to achieve greater results in war against crimes and criminals in the state and Nigeria at large.
He also pledged his loyalty and commitments on behalf of all the military personnel of the division to the Chief of Army Staff, stressing that the officers and men of the Command are ready to do their best in keeping Nigerians united and secure.
He said, “in our command we shall continue in reward diligence and loyal officers, while an act of indiscipline will not be tolerated, discipline is the bedrock of the Nigerian Army, so whoever found of misconduct will be made to face appropriate sanctions for his or her misdeeds.”
He conveyed the message of the Chief of Army Staff to the officers of the division for their professional and manners at which they discharged their responsibilities and for collective and individual efforts towards dislodging criminals that specialize in illegal miners, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, smuggling, impersonation among other crimes in the area of Command’s responsibility.
The GOC however expressed his gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen. Olufemi Oluyede for the support received at the division from the beginning of the year 2024 till the end.
Guests at the event were thrilled by performances of various cultural groups, as some youths also entertained the audience with various dancing skills, while other highlights of the event include game competitions such as tug of war, showcasing of different delicacies, awards presentation to some outstanding officers of the command, among others.