Nasarawa Governor, Sule applauds Nigerian Army for maintaining WASA tradition

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Dignataries led by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd) cutting the 2023 WASA cake at the Shittu Alao Barracks

By our Reporter

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has applauded the Nigerian Army for maintaining its West African Social Activities (WASA) which aim at bringing together personnel and their families to celebrate and socialize.

Sule gave the commendation at the Nigerian Army’s 177 Guards Battalion 2023 WASA held at the Shittu Alao Barracks in Keffi.

Sule, represented by his Deputy, Dr Emmanuel Akabe described WASA as an opportunity for officers and men to mingle, revisit their traditions and cultures.

Sule said 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.

“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 full boy,” he said

Sule, while commending the Commanding Officer and officers of 177 Guards Battalion for organizing the 2023 edition, urged them to sustain the WASA tradition.

Earlier speaking, Lt. Col. Auwalu Inuwa, Commanding Officer, 177 Guards Battalion of the Nigerian Army explained that WASA was created to take away officers and men away from their routine regimental life to an atmosphere to unwind 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.

“The colonial authorities introduced WASA organized every year to grant the request of soldiers to participate in their local cultural heritage.

“Nigerian Army accordingly upheld this tradition after independence to boost the confidence of soldiers. This is the 24th edition in this unit,” he said.

The event featured presentation of awards of excellence to 10 officers and men of the 177 Guards Battalion who distinguished themselves in various fields and
performances by several ethnic groups; Yoruba, Fulani, Igbo, Gbagyi, Gwandara, Mada among others.