BENIN CITY- Governor Godwin Obaseki has commended the Nigerian Army for using culture as a tool for maintaining peace and as a synergy for keeping Nigeria one.
Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu at the 2019 West African Social Activities (WASA), a social festival by the officers and men of the Nigerian Military to launder their individual cultures and strengthen the bonds of unity leading to peaceful coexistence.
4Brigade Artillery Garrison Ekehuan Barracks, venue for the annual cultural festival was an array of colours and sound leading to the presentation of awards to outstanding soldiers in the preceding year.
Governor Obaseki observed that activities were spot on for WASA in Hausa language meant “play.” He noted that he enjoyed the plays, cultural dance and tug of war while thanking the Commander, 4Brigade for inviting him as a special guest to the occasion.
WASA he said, was a good occasion which took officers and men of the Nigerian Army away from their regimented lifestyle to an ambience where they “Can unwind, relax and be free with one another including families and civilian counterparts.
It is usually done at the end of each year’s cycle from January to December. The year 2019 training cycle was successfully ended on a high note with the just concluded exercise Crocodile Smile 4, which recorded unprecedented success in the area of combating criminal activities in the state, particularly during the festive period.
This provided a secure environment for the peace loving people of Edo State to celebrate both Christmas and new year freely. I also want to commend 4Brigade for its effort at promoting peaceful coexistence with its host community and the general populace.
This has boosted public confidence and ensured the safety of lives and property for the peace loving people of Edo state. I sincerely thank other security agencies operating within the state for their unflinching support to the 4Brigade anytime they are called upon. I urge you to keep the synergy.”
The governor appreciated fallen heroes who died on the line of duties to their fatherland. He also commended the patience of families who await the coming home of their gallant loved ones who are out of home on national duties.
Thanking participants at the WASA activities, he said that culture is power, a veritable tool for social reengineering which helped to build synergy which strengthens the bonds of unity in Nigeria.
He called on the civilian populace to provide adequate and timely information to security personnel to aid them with their effective job discharge.
