Army fete families of troops in battlefield, others in Calabar
By Our Admin
Amphibious Training School of the Nigerian Army at the weekend feted the families in the Army barracks in Calabar including families of troops on the battlefield of different military missions across the country.
The event which was held at the open field in the premises of Eburutu Army Barracks in Calabar had the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps and Center Jaji, Major General VO. Ezugwu as the Special Guest of Honour.
The Commandant of the Amphibious Training School of the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. FS. Etim disclosed that the occasion is the 2021 West African Social Activity (WASA), an aged long tradition that brings officers, soldiers, and their families together to celebrate the end of the calendar year and to also usher in the New Year.
He said the origin of WASA is linked to the period of the West African Frontier Force when enlisted persons with strong traditional or customary heritage cultivated the habit of offering sacrifices to their gods and ancestors at the end of harvest and at the beginning of every planting season for bounty harvest, peace, and progress in the new year.
In his address, the Special Guest of Honour, Major General VO. Ezugwu, noted that WASA is a social platform that takes officers and soldiers away from their routine regimental life to unwind and relax freely with one another as well as their families.
He commended the officers and soldiers of the Amphibious Training School for the auspicious occasion. Adding that the array of cultural displays exhibited has sufficiently demonstrated the rich cultural heritage of the Country.
He said, today our troops are involved in several frontline tasks, collectively I will like us to use this occasion to celebrate them and, most importantly appreciate their sacrifices to our fatherland. Their gallantry will continue to be our source of inspiration. We also pray for the repose of the soul of our fallen heros who paid the supreme price that we may live.
He thanked the families of the troops in the frontline for keeping the home front and for being so supportive. “I salute your resilience and pray that your efforts shall never be in vain.”
The Infantry Corps and Center Commander noted the first-class training on amphibious warfare delivered to the Nigerian Army Personnel by the Amphibious Training School in Calabar, noting that their efforts during the recently concluded Operation Safe Conduct in Anambra State has been severally commended.
He used the opportunity to urge that officers and soldiers should adhere strictly to the extant Social Media Policy of the Armed Forces of Nigeria which prohibits indiscriminate use of social media.
“Additionally, I charged you all to be vigilant and ensure maximum security of our facilities.”
Brig. Gen. FS Etim thanked members of the civilian community in the state who joined the WASA ceremony and thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya for the support given to ATS and pledged to continually align to the vision of having a Professional Nigerian Army, Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions within a joint environment in Defense of Nigeria.