The Nigerian Army Finance Corp at the weekend held its 2016 West African Social Activities (WASA) at the NAFC parade ground, Apapa in Lagos with the Acting Chief of Accounts and Budget (CAB), Nigerian Army, Brigadier General JE Jakko assuring the Army High Command of improved discipline and sustained training to meet the Army’s constitutional roles.
According to the CAB, “The Year 2017 has started with enthusiasm and good hope of further actualizing the vision of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General TY Buratai, by consolidating on the gains of the past year through improved discipline and sustained training.
Addressing a large crowd of officers and soldiers, their families and retired officers including former Directors of Army Finance and Accounts (DAFAs), Brig-General Jakko said, “It is with the highest sense of humility and gratitude to God Almighty that I welcome you to Nigerian Army Finance Corps West African Social Activities popularly called “WASA” for Year 2016.
“This activity is customarily observed to mark the end of each training year and usher in the New Year. It is on this premise that the COAS directed units and formations to organize the Year 2016 WASA.
“The word ‘WASA’ in daily usage in Hausa Language simply means “Play” and coincidentally, it is the acronym for “West African Social Activities”.
“This event was introduced during the Colonial era of the Royal West African Frontier Forces (RWAFF). It was meant to take officers and soldiers 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 is usually done by display of various cultural dances and costumes.
“Today gives us another opportunity to be together with our families to celebrate and give thanks to the Almighty God for a successful 2016 and to showcase our various cultures within the Barracks and Cantonment
“I want to seize this opportunity to thank the Chief of Army Staff, for approving resources as well as his commitment to training and the welfare of Nigerian Army personnel.
Declaring that the COAS passion for training and welfare of troops made it possible for us (Finance Corps) to record all the successes in 2016, the CAB said, “Permit me at this juncture to also appreciate our sister services and the paramilitary establishments for their contributions to the successes we achieved in 2016. We sincerely hope to enjoy more of your support this year.
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Furthermore, Jakko said, “Let me specially appreciate officers and soldiers of Nigerian Army Finance Corps and their families for their selfless service, commitment, dedication and loyalty to the leadership of the Corps in particular and most importantly of the Nigerian Army.
He reassured the Chief of Army Staff, General Buratai of the corps unalloyed loyalty to his leadership, President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria.
Addressing the gathering, General Officer Commanding 81 division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Oyefolu who represented the Chief of Army Staff disclosed that the 2016 training year was quite eventful in the Nigerian Army.
The COAS said, “All the training activities programmed for the year were quite successfully conducted as scheduled. In addition, some important activities which were hitherto suspended due to commitment of troops in various internal and external operations were revived in 2016.
“Such activities include the Nigerian Army Sports Festival which was held in 2016 after a break of 7 years.
“Various field training exercises such as Shirin Harbi, Harbin Kunama, Python Dance and Crocodile Smile were also successfully conducted last year in various parts of the country.
“These exercises have significantly gone a long way in curbing and reducing criminality and other nefarious activities.
“The climax of these exercises and operations was the Operation Rescue Finale in the North East which led to the fall of Sambisa forest and capture of Camp Zero at the end of 2016.
The Army Chief paid tributes to ‘fallen heroes’ who paid the supreme price to keep the country safe and one noting “May their Gentle souls rest in peace and may the almighty grant their families the fortitude to bear the loss.
Commending the Acting CAB, officers and soldiers of the Finance Corps for their selflessness in the financial management of scarce resources, the Army Chief said, “As we commence yet another training circle, I urge you all to remain committed in the discharge of your collective responsibilities of ensuring peace and stability across the country.
Buratai continued, “We must remain focussed, dedicated and resilient in other to consolidate on the achievements recorded so far”.
Present at the occasion were members of the House of representatives committee on Army and Defence, Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman, retired officers including Major General Muraina, Major General BVT Kwaji, Major General Toun, Major General Williams, Major General Usiade and Brigadier General Aminu Kano among others.
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