The 7 Guards Battalion of Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army on Friday 6 December 2019 held its Unit West African Social Activity (WASA) in a colourful ceremony that witnessed the best of Nigerian cultural and military traditions.
Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief David Onoja in his goodwill message, commended the Nigerian Army for standing firm and coming out victorious in the face of severe security challenges threatening the nation.
“The will of the Nigerian Army was tested by Boko Haram in the country and they have been technically defeated. We are all witnesses to this. Now the Army is being called upon to defeat banditry, kidnapping, militia and violent extremism and I am confident these security threats will be eliminated like Boko Haram”.
“” The sacrifices of the officers and troops of the Nigerian Army round the clock in very severe and extreme situations, for us to have peace and security, is therefore a reason for well meaning citizens to join and support them in celebrating WASA with their families”.
In his address, Commanding Officer, 7 Guards Battalion, Lt. Col Muktar Sani Daroda, while welcoming families, friends and dignitaries to Lungi Barracks Parade Ground, venue of the WASA explained that the social activity which is an age long military regimental event, is aimed at creating a conducive atmosphere for relaxation of officers, soldiers at the end of a rigorous training year.
He noted that the origin of WASA could be traced to as far back as the 2nd World War when the Nigerian Army fought as part of the larger West African Frontier Force.
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“During this period, indigenous Nigerian Army personnel celebrated their cultural heritage at the end of every year. These were marked with sacrificial offerings at the end of harvest or the beginning if the planting season to usher peace, bumper harvest and progress for the New Year” he said.
Continuing Lt. Col Daroda said, “The 7 Guards Battalion WASA 2019 promises to be very exciting, featuring colourful and entertaing dances, Calisthenics displays, tug of war, inspection of local dishes from different parts of the country as presented by various company stands, beating of retreat and lighting of camp fire.
And true to his word, dignitaries were entertained by cultural troops if the Igbo’s, the Yoruba, Calabar, Hausa/Fulani, the Gbagyi cultural troupe and the Swange dancers from Benue state.
There were raffle draws and winning of several items including bags of rice, live chickens, life goat, coolers, cartons of indomie, cartons of swan water, electric fans and a star prize of Sewing Machine whose winner got a handshake from the Deputy Governor of Kogi state, Chief David Onoja.
Prominent dignitaries who graced the social activity include the Chief Scorpion/Commander, Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Mohammed Takuti Usman and his wife, the Conservator General of National Parks, Dr. Usman Goni, who represented the minister of Environment, Hajia Nafisat Mongonu, wife of the National Security Adviser, Hajia Aisha Adamu, wife if the Inspector General of Police and a former Commanding Officer if 7 Guards Battalion, Brigafier General EI Okoro.
Also present were other Battalion Commanders of Guards Brigade including Colonel Musa Uba, Commanding Officer of 177 Battalion, Keffi, Nasarawa state, Lt. Col Maina of Guards Brigade Garrison, Lt. Col OA Odubiyi, Commanding Officer of 102 Battalion, Suleija, Niger State.
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