***Says the Army has lived up to expectations
As peace is gradually returning to some troubled communities in Niger state that were hitherto ravaged by Bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji has commended the efforts of the Nigerian Army for it relentless war against what he called enemies of the people.
The Speaker specifically applauded the efforts of the men of Nigerian Army for restoring peace and sanity along the Minna-Tegina-Kontagora highway after years of Banditry activities, saying that travelers on the roads and other highways in the state can now heave a sigh of relief.
The Speaker gave the commendation on Saturday at the headquarters, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Nagwamatse Cantonment, Kontagora, Niger State during the 2023 annual event of the West African Social Activities (WASA-2023) organized by the Military Cantonment.
Rt. Hon. Sarkindaji who was the special guest at the occasion, acknowledged that the year, 2023 was a challenging one for the Nigerian Army due to it involvement in internal security across the length and breath of the country, adding that “despite all these challenges, the Nigerian Army has lived up to expectations in the war against Bandits, Insurgents and other criminal elements in the country”.
The speaker maintained that what the Nigerian Army needs from Nigerians is prayers and support, especially from government at all levels to enable them win the war against those who have continue to make lives miserable for the citizens.
He pointed out that the Nigerian Army has continued to make sacrifices in the face of challenges confronting it as a Profession saddled with the responsibility of safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
He particularly thanked the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Nagwamatse Cantonment for their unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and properties of the people of Kontagora Emirate and Niger State at large.
Rt. Hon. Sarkin Daji took the opportunity of the occasion to underscore the historical significance and importance of the WASA event, saying that it is a vital link between the military and civil society.
According to him, it fosters mutual understanding and cooperation between the two essential pillars of society, adding that “It equally foster strong bonds between the military and civil society, echoing the sentiment of unity and collaboration in the pursuit of collective progress and security”, he added.
He expressed satisfaction that despite the commitment and busy schedule of the officers and soldiers, the military authority took time out to bring together the military personnel and their families to celebrate and mark the end of training activities in the Nigerian Army Forces.
Earlier the Commander of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery (NACA), Major General M. G. Kangye, said that the West African Social Activities (WASA) an annual event which marks the end the training activities was organized by the Nigerian Army with the sole aim of bringing together officers and soldiers, and their families to showcase the diverse rich culture of various ethnic groups.
According to him “It equally afford the officers and soldiers, and their families the atmosphere to socialize and interact with themselves and their civilian counterparts.
The highlights of the event was the presentation of awards of excellence to deserving soldiers who distinguished themselves during the training year.
There were cultural displays by various ethnic groups, prominent among them are Hausa/Fulani, Igbo, Benin, Kanuri, Yoruba, and Tiv cultural dancers
The Commander of the Nigerian Army Training Center (NATRAC), Kontagora Major General L. T. Omoniyi also witnessed the occasion.
