The Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), Lt.-
Gen.Tukur Buratai, has urged army
officers and men to remain committed
in the discharge of their duties to
ensure peace and stability in the
country.
Buratai made the appeal at the 2017
West Africa Social Activities (WASA)
celebration which ended on Saturday in
Apapa, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
reports that WASA is an annual army
event aimed at promoting team spirits
and confidence within and outside the
barracks.
It is also a forum for informal and
social interaction and an avenue for the
barrack community to showcase the rich
and diverse cultures of the country.
Buratai, represented by Maj.-Gen.
Babatunde Oyefolu, GOC 81 Division,
said the Nigerian Army must remain
focused, dedicated and resilient in
order to consolidate the achievements
recorded so far.
“As we commence another training
circle, I urge you all to remain
committed in the discharge of your
collective responsibility of ensuring
peace and stability across the country.
“You must remain focused, dedicated
and resilient in order to consolidate on
the achievements so far recorded.
“I also pay my tribute to our fallen
heroes who paid the supreme price to
keep the country safe,” he said.
The COAS noted that the 2016 training
year saw the revival of army activities,
hitherto, suspended, and urged the
officers and men of the army to remain
proactive in the discharge of their
duties.
“Such activities include the Nigerian
Army Sports Festival which was held
last year after a seven-year break.
“We significantly and successfully
curbed 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 the Sambisa forest and the
capture of camp zero,’’ Buratai said.
He urged the army to remain proactive
in the discharge of their duties and
assured the officers and men that the
government would continue to prioritise
their welfare.
“We will provide decent accommodation
and other social amenities to our
personnel and ensure that our troops
get adequate logistics in all operational
areas in 2017,” Buratai said.
The COAS also commended the efforts of
the Senate Committee on Defence for
supporting the army in fulfilling its
mandate.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the
Chief of Account and Budget, (NAFC),
Brig.-Gen. Jahadi Jakko, said WASA was
customarily observed to mark the end of
the training year and usher in a new
year.
Jakko said that the Nigerian Army had
successfully been operating under the
Treasury Single Account to ensure
transparency and accountability.
He commended the soldiers for their
discipline and dedication during the
year and called for peaceful
coexistence.
NAN reports that the colourful event
featured tug of war, dances by cultural
groups as well as presentation of gifts
and awards to distinguished soldiers
and guests.
Top serving and retired military officers
and captains of industry graced to the
occasion.
