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From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has lauded the Nigerian Army for maintaining its West African Social Activities (WASA) event, which brings together officers, soldiers and their families to celebrate and socialize.
Sule gave the commendation at the Nigerian Army’s 177 Guards Battalion 2023 WASA held at the Shitu Alao Barracks in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Friday.
Sule, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, described WASA as an opportunity for officers and soldiers to mingle as well as revisit their traditions and culture and expressed happiness with Nigerian Army for maintaining the WASA tradition.
He added that maintaining the WASA tradition was a pointer to the resolve and determination of the Nigerian Army to create an avenue to socialize with fellow soldiers and families and make it an integral part of activities of the Nigerian Army annually.
He also said the essence of the WASA was to ensure that soldiers and officers do not forget or abandon their traditions and cultures due to the exigencies of military life.
“I am happy the Nigerian Army has maintained the WASA tradition because any group of people without tradition, without culture are a lost generation.
“The Nigerian Army is not unmindful of the fact that these cultures and these traditions must be maintained at all times.
“I am also happy to see officers and men and their families unwinding because there is a popular saying that all work and no play makes jack a dull boy,” the governor said.
He then commended the Commanding Officer and officers of 177 Guards Battalion for organizing the 2023 edition, promising to make himself available to attend future WASA events, giving its role in showcasing the different cultures and traditions in the country and strengthening bonds among different ethnic groups in the military.
Speaking earlier, Commanding Officer, 177 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Auwalu Inuwa, explained that WASA was created to take officers and soldiers away from their routine regimented life to an atmosphere where they could unwind and relax freely with one another and civilians.
“It is also aimed at upholding the cultures and traditions of the nation in addition to getting personnel and their families in a social and conducive atmosphere to mark the end of the year activities,” he said.
