The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen Kabir Muktar, has charged officers and men of the division to be diligent in the discharge of the 2022 training activities.
Muktar gave the charge on the occasion of the year 2021 West African Social Activities (WASA), held at Ribadu Cantonment on Saturday, in Kaduna.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that WASA is an aged-long annual military tradition of celebrating successful administrative and training year.
He said the occasion was an annual event reflecting the rich tradition and cultural heritage of the officers, soldiers and families in the Nigerian Army (NA).
He added that the event was also an avenue for the barrack community to refresh themselves in a relaxed atmosphere, while preparing for the next year.
“The brilliant display by the various cultural troupes that performed is encouraging as it affirms the long-standing tradition that links the Nigerian Army with our cultural backgrounds, which are never broken”.
The GOC noted that WASA provided a forum for social interaction and an opportunity for the general public to appreciate the barracks communities’ immense and diverse customs and glamorous traditions.
“This event is a testimony of the barracks being a melting pot for different cultures and social backgrounds”, he said.
He added that the event was also another forum to remember and pay tributes to fallen heroes, who paid the supreme price and sacrificed for the peace of Nigeria.
“May their souls rest in perfect peace and may God grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss,” he prayed.
He charged the personnel on the need to uphold the core values of loyalty, self-service, courage, discipline, integrity and respect for others at all times.
“As you commence another training and administrative
year, I implore you all to remain focused and highly resilient; you must avoid all actions that are capable of affecting your ability to discharge your duties professionally”, he said.
Earlier, the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i, said 1 Division had every cogent reason to celebrate the year 2021 end of activities, as its officers and men remained resolute in discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
El-Rufai, represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, said he was aware of the division’s tremendous achievements in combating acts of criminality and terror in their areas of operation.
“I must commend your efforts in forging synergy and collaboration with other security agencies to ensure peace within your area of operations.
“The gallantry displayed by your troops in the ongoing operation THUNDER STRIKE and DOMINION STORM is highly commendable and appreciated,” he said.
El-Rufai urged them to consolidate on the gains in the days and months ahead by creating an enabling environment where peace and security can be guaranteed.
“As you commence the 2022 activities, let me remind you of the need to be more focused and determined in confronting the emerging security challenges in your area of responsibilities.
”2022 will be filled with electioneering activities, therefore, I implore you to remain steadfast and proactive in the discharge of your professional responsibility”, he said.
NAN reports that the event was accompanied by displays of rich cultural dances and songs, competitions, among others, and awards were also given to personnel who distinguished themselves in their various lines of duty. (NAN)
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.
Leave a Reply