The Nigerian Army Headquarters Garrison on Saturday, celebrated its annual West African Social Activities popularly referred to as WASA.
The event, which is held annually by various army formations and commands across the country, took place at Mogadishu Cantonment Abuja.
Several traditional troupes representing various ethnic groups in the country were on display to entertain officers and men of the command as well as their families and friends.
It also featured a tug-of-war between soldiers’ wives and female soldiers as well as the raffle draw where different prizes were won.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Lt.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, said that WASA was an age long tradition in the Nigerian army which provides opportunity for various army formations and units to socialise and celebrate their achievements during the year.
He said the event also provides opportunity for officers and soldiers and their families to showcase the variety of cultural dances from across Nigeria.
He said the Army is committed to performing its constitutional mandate assigned to it to defend the territorial integrity of the country and preserved the collective national interest.
“It is in this regard that the Nigerian army has remained a professionally responsive army in the discharge of its constitutional duty.
“It is therefore heartwarming to observe that the Nigerian army has remained focused within this mandate and also committed to preserving our democracy.
“The strong statement to this effect has been our resolute commitment in tackling the security challenges confronting the country and recently during the 2019 general election acting in support of Nigerian police,” he said.
He commended the Garrison for their discipline and conducts exhibited during the various exercises they were engaged in throughout the year.
He urged the officers and soldiers of the Garrison to redouble their efforts in view of the current security challenges that the army is grappling with across the country.
Earlier, the Commandant, Nigerian Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. James Myam, said that WASA serves as a veritable tool for reminding personnel on the successes recorded from the activities of the year being celebrated.
Myam added that WASA was also meant to encourage the personnel to approach the activities lined up for the New Year with renewed zeal, vigour and commitment.
