WASA 2022: 2 Div GOC, Maj. Gen. MT Usman Solicits Support Of Security Agencies In Combating Crime

By Kazeem Oyeniyi, Ibadan

2 Div GOC Maj. Gen. MT Usman has called for support of relevant agencies in combating crime.

Naijanewshub.com.ng reports that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 2 Division Nigeria Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ojoo Ibadan, Major General Mohammed Usman has over the weekend solicit support of relevant security stakeholders in eradicating all forms of criminality within the responsibility area of the Division.

Major General Usman made the call at the Major General JM Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ojoo Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo state, during the West African Social Activities programm tagged “WASA 2022”.

In his address at the event, the GOC noted that 2 Div need support of relevant stakeholders to eradicate all forms of criminality the area of responsibility.

He said, “As we gathered together here today to make merry and celebrate with our loved ones, I wish to sincerely size this opportunity to solicit for support of all relevant stakeholders to join hands with the Division to eradicate all forms of criminality within our area of responsibility in order to provide a conducive atmosphere for social and economic activities to thrive.”

While speaking about the importance of WASA celebration in Nigeria Army, Major General Usman said, “the activity is customarily observed to mark the end of training year and to usher in the new year. It is on this premise that the Chief of Army Staff directed formations and units to organize and conduct the year 2022 WASA in upholding this unique military tradition.”

He further maintained that the word “WASA” in Hausa Language means play and coincidentally, it is the acronym for West African Social Activities, this event was introduced during the colonial era of the Royal West African Frontier Force(RWAFF).”

He said “WASA is meant to take officers and soldiers away from the routine regimented life to an atmosphere where they relax freely with one another as well as with their families as as well as civilian friends. It is usually done by the display of cultural dances and adoring costumes, today we have another opportunity to be together with our families and friends to celebrate and give thanks to Almighty God do a successful 2022 and to showcase our different cultures.”

“Permit me to thank the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for his commitments and continuous support especially in the are of training and welfare of personnel of the Nigeria Army in general and 2 Division in particular, the year 2023 has started with enthusiasm and good hope of further actualizing the COAS vision by consolidating on the gains of the past year through improved discipline and sustainable training to meet the Nigeria Army’s constitutional role.” He said.

GOC Usman in his address also commended the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde the special guest of honour at the event for his support to Nigeria Army at large and 2 Div in particular.

He said, at this juncture let me also appreciate our special guest of honour, His Excellency Engr. Seyi Makinde the Executive Governor of Oyo state for his wisdom, guidance and direction towards the right path which has greatly contributed to the successes we have recorded in the past year. We sincerely hope to enjoy more of your support this year and the years ahead.”

“The special guest of Honour sir, commanders, officer, my dear soldiers, our lovely families, distinguished ladies and gentlemen on behalf of officers and soldiers of 2 Division, I once again welcome you all to Maj. Gen. JN Inienger’s sports complex venue of the WASA 2022 finally let me use this opportunity to reassure the President – Commander in Chief, and the Chief of Army Staff of our unalloyed loyalty to their leadership and our beloved country Nigeria. Usman stated.

In his remarks, the special guest of honour, the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde who was ably represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi maintained that his present at the event is to identified with Nigerian Army and their family members.

He also noted that his presence is no doubt a result to further show his appreciation of the good work that the Nigeria Army is doing all over the country in general and Oyo state in particular.

He said, “I want to assure soldiers, army and families of the 2 Division Nigeria Army in Ibadan that my administration remain committed to promoting the already existing cordial military relationship to a greater level for the betterment of the good people of Oyo state, the General Officer Commanding.”

“I want to categorically state that the impact of the Nigeria Army during this period has added greater values respect, honour and dignity to our perception as a people about the Nigeria Army, furthermore I wish to metion the links that bind the Nigeria Army and the rest of the citizens is further strengthened it’s in the public domain that the efforts of the 2 Division in supporting the security efforts of the Oyo State Government and the good people is appreciated.”

“The Nigeria Army today have played more roles in aid to civil authority than any other time of history of our dear nation, this include the curtailment of insurgency in the northeast, by ensuring that the situation does not spread across the entire country and the curtailing of the entire nefarious activities of rampaging bandits in the North West, this in addition is to sustain operation against the kidnappers, cultists and other perpetrators of such criminal activities across the country, I’m glad that the Nigeria Army have recorded these achievements without prejudice to the respect to the rule of law.”

“I have personally noted the achievements of the operation Burst in Oyo state where a Nigeria Army played a very key roles,.I wish to use this occasion of the WASA to commend the galant officers and soldiers of the 2 Division Ibadan in particular and Nigeria Army at large, I also urge you to remain and maintain the tempo.”

“I also want to assure you that the government and the people of Oyo state will continue to support and cooperate with the Nigeria Army especially in Oyo state in order to reap true dividend of peace and security, I have and I will continue consider the army barrack and cantonment in Oyo state as part of our constituency, finally on behalf of the government and the good people of Oyo state I wish to thank all the officers and soldiers of the 2 Division Nigeria Army and their family for inviting me as a special guest of honour for this year WASA. Makinde said.

Activities of the event include, tug of war competition between the Barrack Youths and Barrack Youth Corps Members; Magajiyas Odogbo and NASWA Mokola, cultural dance and display, WASA quiz, children dancing competition, special award for soldiers, feasting among others.