By Samuel Ogude(Warri)
The Commander, 63 Brigade, Brigadier General David Saraso has charged officers and men of 3 Battalion, Effurun Barracks of the Nigerian Army, to continue to uphold the old tradition of West Africa Social Activities (WASA) which is aimed at sustaining peaceful coexistence in barrack communities through the promotion of the nation’s rich cultural heritage and values.
Brigadier Saraso stated this recently in a speech delivered as a Special Guest of Honour to this year’s WASA day held at Effurun Barracks in Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State. Commander Saraso said, that the yearly event is meant to create a forum for informal and social interaction in a relaxed atmosphere among officers, their families and other residents while preparing for the year ahead.
According to Brigadier General Saraso who was represented by the Chief of Staff, HQ 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Col. Emmanuel Azenda, said the officers and men of 3 Battalion have tried to have successfully conducted this year’s (2022) training activities that cumulated to the WASA event and expressed optimism of a greater year ahead both in terms of professionalism and dedication to duties.
He said:” I must commend you for successfully conducting this year’s training activities that cumulated to the WASA event and more will be in area of professionalism and dedications to duties in years ahead”.
Brigadier Saraso applauded specially the Commanding Officer (R) 3 Battalion, Effurun, Major Ibrahim Liman, and his team for their relentless efforts, hard work, discipline and continuous excellence maintained at the Barracks just as he charged them to remain focused in maintaining and improving on the standards they have set in the new year.
He said: “As you commence another training year, I charge you to remain focused and highly disciplined and at the same time, avoid all forms of distractions that can affect your ability to discharge your duties professionally in line with global best practices”.
According to him:”This is important especially now that we are engaged in so many operational tasks geared towards ensuring peace and stability across the length and breadth of our dear country”
Earlier in his address, the Commanding Officer (Rear) of 3 Battalion, Effurun, Major Ibrahim Liman gave an historical background of the yearly WASA event and how it has helped in maintaining sustainable peace within the barrack community across the country through the promotion of the nation’s diverse culture.
He said the yearly event has provided the platform to showcase the culture of every tribe in the country saying “we can appreciate ourselves” even better while also promoting unity of purpose among the officers and men in the various barracks across the country.
The climax of the event were inspection of companies that showcased the native foods and notable art works of some tribes, cultural dances and the decorations of ten (10) solders who distinguished themselves in various fields in the barracks this year.