9 Brigade Celebrates WASA In Grand Style, Gets Sanwo-Olu’s Commendation

LUCKY LAWAL

The 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army at Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos State, celebrated its latest West African Social Activities (WASA) in grand style on Saturday 15th February, 2020, at the Brigade Garrison parade ground in Lagos.
The occasion, which was well attended by Captains and high rank officers even involving other sister agencies, got the commendation of the Special Guest of Honour, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who was dully represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Engr. Tayo Bamigbose Martins.

Speaking at the event, the Governor’s representative appreciated the military formations and the idea behind the programme.

He said that the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, commended the professionalism and resilience of the troops in sustaining peace and tranquility in the State.

He further said the State Government acknowledged and appreciated the effort of the Military and is encouraging them not to relax but build on their last year’s excellent performance to bring about a successful outing for this year 2020.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief host, the Commander 9 Brigade, Brigadier General Musa Awwal Etsu –Ndagi, appreciated the presence of everyone around and said WASA  is an annual event designed by the founding fathers of the Nigerian Army out of the need to socialize and celebrate success recorded within a particular period. He said it was also designed to reduce tensions and stress which would enable troops forge ahead to face the future with renewed vigour. The Commander said it further provides enabling environment for the officers and men to wine and dine with their families and immediate communities as well as showcasing the diverse cultural heritage that the Nigerian nation is made of after a successful training and operational year.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Olusegun Odumosu, who also graced the occasion, said, “I’m very happy to be here. We started this actually; it is an opportunity to let down stress, it helps improve our health and equally improve our strength to fight crime and criminality. It’s also an avenue to socialize and I have enjoyed myself”.

The event also witnessed performances from different cultural troupes from the Yorubas, Igbo, Nupe, Ijumu Kabba, hiphop performance and comedy. A display of tug of war competition between female soldiers and female Corps members as well as male soldiers of 9 Brigade Garrison and Other Service units of the Headquarters also featured. 
To encourage the soldiers for better future performances, about fifteen soldiers were given distinguished awards of excellence for their outstanding performance in the year 2019.

Some of the dignitaries at the occasion were the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Nigerian Army, ably represented by Chief of Staff, Brig Gen Nsikak Edet, Commander NNS Beecroct, Reps of AOC LC, Comdt NAFRC and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, CP Hakeem Olusegun Odumosu, Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Tayo Bamgbose Martins, as well as other Heads of sister security agencies and captains of industry.