2022 WASA: Gombe Deputy Gov says Initiative provides room for motivation, bonding
… Appreciates role of the Army in peace keeping, unity, safety of lives
The Gombe State Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, had commended the initiative of the Nigerian Army to provide opportunity for relaxation, and interaction between the military circles, their families and the civilian population towards cementing social security, and sustainable socio-economic economic challenges.
The Deputy Governor who was Special Guest of Honour during the celebration of West African Social Activities (WASA)at the Army Barack Gombe also described the initiative as an opportunity of showcasing Nigeria’s cultural diversity.
He pointed out that, apart from promoting the Spirit of togetherness amongst the Army and other Security agencies, it also creates a social, relaxed and civil atmosphere for soldiers and their families to interact and bond despite the risky and challenging situations they find themselves, especially in today’s world where events and happenings are presenting more situations of insecurity and unhappiness.
He said, “In good time let me convey the greetings, goodwill and gratitude of His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the government and entire residents of Gombe to the Law Enforcement Agents in the state among which is the 301 Artillery Regiment General Support based here in Gombe, for obvious reasons.
WASA, which by coincidence means “play” in Hausa Language is an annual event held in all Nigerian Army Formations within the fourth quarter of each year. It aims to:(a) Showcase and celebrate Nigeria’s diverse cultures. Permit me to pinpoint that sociologists observe that culture is very important, because it is the only thing that differentiate human beings from the lower animals.
(b) Ensure unity, as well as encourage espirit de corps among Nigerian Army personnel and by extension other
security organizations. This presume is for the effectiveness of the Nigerian Army is an organisation and to end extent to other organisations in the environment.
“It is heart warming to observe that this year’s WASA, is unique on account of the different personalities in Gombe and even beyond, who came willingly to support and grace this occasion. Their presence is highly beneficial to the society as it will assist in bridging the gap that may exist between the Nigerian Army and members of the public and other Law Enforcement Agents. I am convinced and therefore encourage many more of such events that bring us together since it will reduce the tendency where some people perceive their culture, religion medicine, philosophy, and even organisations as the general laws of nature, which all other people must conform to.
” As a government, I on behalf of the peace seeking and loving people of Gombe express my profound appreciation for the activities you have taken and certain measures put in place in ensuring the safety of lives, properties and to an extent the environment of the state. Be assured of the continuous support, collaboration of the government and the residents in the course of carrying out your duties which has become more difficult based on numerous security challenges. In all these, the people of Gombe are always in prayers for you to be effective in the discharge of your duties wherever you may find yourselves, since deployment and posting are a continuous exercise.
Having witnessed this event and its success, I must acknowledge and commend the leaders of 301 Artillery Regiment (General Support) for making this day a reality for soldiers, their families, and even invited members of the public. This is despite the many responsibilities of the unit, which include curbing of criminal activities, check-mating of Boko Haram activities, maintenance of peace and security, and other ad hoc duties for the benefit of the state. Of course this your performance has built and increased confidence in the state making it one of the most peaceful states in the Nation as attested by the Inspector General of Police during his visit to the state. Similarly, the occasional undesirable, ugly clashes/conflicts among Law Enforcement Agents themselves who all bare the surname Nigeria is also absent in this state, as it has never been witnessed.”
While appreciating the services rendered by the unit, “I want to use this opportunity to welcome and thank the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 301 Division General AB Ibrahim, and thank the former GOC, Major General IS Ali; Commander 301 Artillery Regiment, all officers and men, their families for giving me the invitation to attend this occasion with other residents of Gombe. While I look forward to next year’s WASA ritual, I wish to commend all those that participated in any of the events,” he added.
The General Officer Commanding 3rd Division, Jos, Plateau State, Major General A. B. Ibrahim, represented by Brig. General S. Adamu commended the Officers and men of the Regiment for sustaining the age-long tradition of WASA.
He noted that, the event is a regimented activity affording the opportunity for formal and informal interaction between the military and families towards showcasing the rich cultural endowment of the nation.
Speaking earlier, the Commander 301 Artillery Regiment ( General Support) Col.A.O Ndah said the West African Social Activities ( WASA) is an annual ritual by the military circles to create time out of purely military exercise for social activities and relaxation by the military, families and civilians.
He explained that, ” WASA is a historic Military regimental event aimed at creating conducive atmosphere for relaxation of Soldiers, and families to mark an end of year activities.”
He said the origin is traced to the second world war when Nigeria fought as part of a larger West African Frontier Force. The event began with celebrating of the indigenous Army and thereafter became an annual rituals.
He said, the Military regiment in Gombe has been very instrumental to the protection of lives and properties in line with their constitutional jurisdiction, appreciating the support of their families and Government of Gombe State which made them succeed in carrying out their activities successfully.
Highlight of the activities include presentation of plaques to distinguished personalities, and outstanding soldiers as well as the display of drama, cultural dances tug- of- war, and lighting of burn fire.
Jack Tasha
Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Media and Publicity to the Governor,
(Deputy Governor’s Office)
