Day soldiers feted civilians in Ondo

Officers and men of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, in Akure, Ondo State had their 2013 end-of-year party at the Owena Cantonment penultimate weekend and it was a day to remember, Dream-naija reports

If you think the military is all about war and peacekeeping, then you need to attend a “West African Social Activities” or WASA as it is better known organised by the Nigerian Army to see the civilian side of the soldiers.

Officers and men of 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Owena Cantonment in Akure, Ondo State capital had one recently and the civilians invited had the opportunity to rub shoulders with the soldiers and saw them in mufti or civilian clothes as against their normal khaki uniform.

WASA or “Civilian day” as some would call it is an annual event meant to take officers away from their routine regimented life to an atmosphere where they unwind and relax freely with one another as well as with their civilian brothers and sisters.

It was an event that dated back to the colonial era when Britain had the West African Frontier Forces comprising of units from her various colonies in the subregion, Nigeria being one of them.

The forbearers of the West African units distinguished themselves in many battles under the British flag and due to the diverse cultural inclinations of the West African soldiers, the colonial authorities introduced the West African Social Activities as an annual social event in response to the requests by soldiers to participate in their local cultural rituals.

The Nigerian Army derived its existence from the Frontier Forces and when Nigeria gained her Independence from the United Kingdom WASA was officially adopted in the Army, as a way of showcasing the cultural backgrounds of officers and soldiers from Nigeria’s rich and diverse heritage.

Apart from the officers and men of 32 Artillery Brigade and their families, friends, retired Generals and other top ranking soldiers returned to the barracks at Owena Cantonment on that day to celebrate the event with their friends and colleagues.

Not only this, other security agencies, like men of Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), State Security Service (SSS), Traditional rulers, Government officials and members of the public were all invited.

The event was unique in the sense that, it was the second time the barrack was having its WASA under the leadership of the Brigade’s new Commander, Brigadier-General A. M. Dikko, who succeeded Brigadier-General Mansur Dan Ali (rtd).

Cultural displays from various ethnic groups in the country were performed mainly by soldiers, their families, members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), in the barracks and members of Ondo State Cultural Troupe. Traditional dancers from Enugu and Delta States, and Ikale in Ondo State among others, were all allowed to showcase their talents at the event.

In his address, Brigadier-General Dikko said, WASA was initiated for the purpose of strengthening the relationship of the civil populace and the military men.

Dikko said: “WASA is a forum where the military shows appreciation to friends and the deserving personnel through the presentation of gifts and award as well. This event normally takes place in the last month of the year.

“It was rescheduled to January this year in order to give allowance to festive celebration and to enable our good friends and good people of Ondo State to witness and have a feel of our culture.

 ”You might be surprised to know that most of the cultural shows that will be staged here will be performed by soldiers and their families. At the same time we have also leveraged on the rich cultural heritage of Akure and its environs.

 ”The Nigerian Army is constituted by people from almost all ethnic and cultural groups in the country. This is what makes it a unique organisation that is aware of its cultural and societal obligation and always seeks to promote and guard Nigeria heritage, particularly at formations and unit levels.

 ”WASA has come to stay like other events all over Nigerian Army formations and units. It is a means of bringing families of soldiers to interact and celebrate the end of year and as well as to preserve the rich cultural heritage of our nation.

“The cordial relationship that had existed between the 32 Artillery Brigade and the people of Ondo State and also Ekiti State which is one of our areas of responsibility has been commendable.

“We are also reaffirming our commitment to the aspirations of the two state governments and the protection of lives and property in the country.

 ”This event is remarkable to members of the 32 Artillery Brigade, during last year under review, the Brigade participated in a couple of activities. I am glad to inform you that the Brigade singled itself out and came third in all the competitions that we participated in 2013. We are grateful to the government of Ekiti and Ondo States for all the assistance rendered to the Brigade.

“Our feeling also goes to the families of soldiers who went out for operations in other parts of the nation and also outside the country in response to national duties”.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who was represented by his Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Bekekhimi Idhiarhi praised the soldiers for partnering with other security agencies in ensuring that the State is crime free.

Mimiko, however called for more cordial relationship between the Military and the civilians, as the country prepares for another general elections in 2015.