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The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has urged officers and soldiers to sustain commitment, discipline and loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the new year, warning them to shun negative vices capable of undermining professionalism.
Major General Babalola, who represented the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, gave the charge while speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the Year 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) organised by the Combat Service Support Corps and the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management at An Barracks on January 31, 2026.
In his address, the GOC described WASA as an enduring cultural legacy dating back to the era of the West African Frontier Force. He explained that the annual event provides commanders with a unique opportunity to appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of personnel and their families, while encouraging renewed commitment for the year ahead.
According to him, the vision of the Nigerian Army has been significantly advanced through the dedication, professionalism, sacrifices and adherence to the core values of the service by its personnel. He reiterated that although the welfare of personnel remains a top priority of the Chief of Army Staff, troops must remember that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”
He particularly cautioned soldiers against substance abuse and other acts contrary to military professionalism.
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Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chief Host and Commander Corps of Medical (CCM), Brigadier General IA Enwuchola, said the event was designed to promote esprit de corps and strengthen bonds among personnel, their families and the host community.
He noted that WASA provided a rare opportunity for officers and soldiers to relax and socialise while reflecting on the successes of the past year and preparing for new challenges ahead.
Brigadier General Enwuchola added that the ceremony also served as a platform to recognise and reward deserving soldiers whose dedication and professionalism contributed to the achievements recorded in the outgoing year.
The colourful event featured a variety of activities including inspection of cultural delicacies at different corps stands, traditional dance performances, presentation of awards to outstanding personnel and a tug of war competition.
The climax was the symbolic Beating of Retreat ceremony, which marked the formal end of Year 2025 activities, followed by the lighting of the traditional campfire.
The occasion was attended by host commanders, senior officers both serving and retired, as well as invited guests from various corps, the host community and sister security agencies.
