Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has said that investment in security was at the centre of his administration’s infrastructure development as it holds the key to a striving and holistic state socioeconomic development.
Mbah said this on Saturday during the 82 Division Nigerians Army West African Social Activities (WASA) 2024, to mark the end of 2024 Operational Year for the Division.
The governor, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-industrialisation, Dr Patrick Ubru, noted that the state would continue to build and invest in security, especially cutting edge technologies that are game changers.
According to him, the government and people of Enugu State appreciate the Nigerian Army and the Division’s efforts and sacrifices to ensure security and peace in the entire state.
He assured the Division of the state government’s continued support as it carries out its mandate and continues its security successes in the state, South-East and the Division’s area of coverage.
On WASA, the governor lauded the Nigerian Army for upholding this tradition even from the time of the colonial era, adding that it shows the level of responsibility within the Nigerian Army and its personnel.
“WASA remains an event that brings Nigerians together, promotes our rich culture and heritage as well as helps to unify us as a people and nation.
“The essence and spirit of WASA is in line with this administration’s resolve and target to make Enugu State a tourism and hospitality hub in the country,” he said.
Earlier, Maj,-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, said that WASA provided an opportunity for officers, soldiers and their families and friends to meet in a convivial environment.
Dada, who is also the Force Commander of Joint Security Task-Force South-East, code-named ‘Operation Udo Ka,’ noted that WASA provides avenue to share love, understanding and display rich indigenous Nigeria heritage and culture.
According to him, WASA also signifies the end of Nigerian Army operational training calendar for the year.
“In 2024 Operational Training, troops of Operation Udo Ka performed exceptional well in curtailing activities of criminals, terrorists and nefarious activities of proscribed armed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and other anti-social elements.
“The successes were so enormous that there was an unprecedented mass return of people of South-East during the yuletide and continued peace after the yuletide,” he said.
The GOC noted that in 2024, the Division was able to complete and inaugurate some projects meant to improve welfare of troops and sharpen operational skills of troops in the discharge of their duties.
“Chief among the projects included: the COAS Olympic Size Swimming Complex, Division and Garrison RSM Houses, GOC Guest Houses and Quarters for Senior Officers among others,” he said.
He thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for supporting infrastructure development and programmes of activities in the Division in the outgoing year of 2024.
Dada pledged that troops of the Division would remain loyal and dedicated to the serve of the Nigerian Army and the entire nation.
The GOC also announced that the WASA would be his last as the GOC of the Division having been redeployed, adding that he would continue to support the Division anywhere and any capacity he finds himself.
“I will also solicit that you extend same cooperation given to me as GOC to the new GOC and to keep the tempo of operations and activities high within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR),” he said.
The event featured various cultural cuisines and dance displays; masquerade parade, special renditions, tug-of-war and bonfire among others.
The Division through the GOC also recognised and honoured 22 exceptionally performed personnel in its 2024 operational year with awards and certificates.
