The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for socio-economic activities and sustainable development across the South-East.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, gave the assurance on Saturday during the 2025 West Africa Social Activities (WASA) celebration held at the Abakpa Military Cantonment Parade Ground in Enugu.
Fadairo said troops of the division remained resolute in protecting lives and property in the region, stressing that security was critical for development to thrive.
“Be rest assured of the commitment of the officers and men of this Division to ensuring the safety and security for socio-economic activities and development to thrive within the South East,” he said.
He commended commanders and soldiers under his command for their resilience and operational successes, urging them to sustain the momentum in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
“I must commend my indefatigable formations and units’ commanders and troops for the continued resilience in the field, which has yielded successes. I urge you all to sustain the tempo,” he added.
The GOC explained that WASA is a long-standing military tradition aimed at promoting unity, cohesion and cultural understanding within the Nigerian Army, even amid demanding operational commitments.
According to him, the annual event provides a platform to strengthen unity and morale, while also encouraging family inclusion, cultural sensitivity, moral development and improved civil-military relations.
Tracing the history of barracks social life to the era of the West African Frontier Force, Fadairo noted that soldiers from present-day Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and The Gambia relied on communal activities such as music, sports and shared meals to build trust and cohesion.
“These interactions laid the foundation for a shared West African military culture built on communal values and mutual respect,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his strategic guidance and support, and appreciated the Enugu State Government for its partnership in security matters.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Peter Mbah, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai, praised the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices in safeguarding the nation.
“On behalf of a grateful state, I want to say thank you to the Army, the Air Force and the Navy for all the incredible work you have done and continue to do to protect us,” Ossai said.
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He also acknowledged the sacrifices of military families, describing them as an integral part of national security efforts.
Ossai noted that the relationship between the Enugu State Government and security agencies remained cordial and productive, commending the organisation and discipline displayed at the event.
Highlights of the celebration included cultural dance performances by the Enugu State Cultural Troupe and the Amata-Mgbowo Atilogwu Cultural Troupe, as well as a cooking competition involving various units and departments of the 82 Division.
The event was attended by senior military officers, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries.
