The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to the peace and security as well as the economic and socio-cultural development of the Niger Delta region.
The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major-General Jamil Sarham, disclosed this in Port Harcourt while speaking at the 2018 West African Social Activities (WASA) of the division.
Sarham solicited for the support of all relevant stakeholders in the Niger Delta region to join hands with the 6 Division to eradicate all forms of criminality in the region.
According to him: “6 Division is relatively new, which came into existence barely three years ago. Its area of responsibility covers Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Delta State, with a primary mandate of maintaining peace in the region in line with our constitutional role in the economic and socio-cultural development of the entire region.
“Let me seize this opportunity to solicit for the support of all relevant stakeholders to join hands with the Division to eradicate all forms of criminality in our society.
“Permit me to thank the Chief of Army Staff for his commitment especially in the area of training and welfare of personnel of the Nigerian Army in general and 6 Division in particular.
“2019 has started with enthusiasm and good hope of further actualizing the Chief of Army Staff vision of consolidating on the gains of past years through improved, disciplined and sustained training to meat Nigerian Army’s constitutional role.”
Sarham, who stated that WASA is customarily observed to mark the end of each training year and to usher in a new year, pointing out that the activity was introduced during the colonial era by the Royal West African Frontier Forces (RWAFF).
He said: “This activity is customarily observed to mark the end of each training year and to usher in a new year. It is on this premise that the Chief of Army Staff directed formations and units to organise and conduct year 2018 West African Social Activities (WASA) before the end of January 2019.
“The word WASA as you must have heard from the Master of Ceremony in daily usage in Hausa language means play and incidentally, it is the acronym for West African Social Activities.
“This event was introduced during the colonial era of the Royal West African Frontier Forces and it is meant to take officers and soldiers away from their routine regimental life to an atmosphere where they unwind and relax freely with one another as their families, including brothers and sisters. It is usually done by display of various cultural dances and adorning costumes.
“Today gives us another opportunity to bring together our families and friends, celebrate and give thanks to Almighty God for a successful 2018 and showcase our cultures within the barracks and settlements.”
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