In order to combat crime and criminalities in the state, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has urged the military to continue providing assistance and collaboration.
In his remarks at the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade’s 2024 West African Social Activities (WASA) in Benin, Okpebholo made the appeal.
The governor, who was accompanied by his chief of staff, Gani Audu, stated that 2024 came to a triumphant conclusion with record-breaking achievements in the battle against crime, especially during the Yuletide season.
“The support and cooperation of the military has provided a secured environment for the peace loving people of Edo State to celebrate both Christmas and New Year freely. This has boosted public confidence and ensured the safety of lives and property in the State,” he said.
In addition, Okpebholo praised the state’s sister security services for their unwavering support of the Brigade whenever it was needed. He pointed out that the purpose of WASA was to remove officers and soldiers from their daily structured lives and provide them with an environment where they could freely rest and unwind with one another, their families, and civilians.
WASA is a long-standing military custom that aims to create a social and comfortable environment for officers, soldiers, and their families to relax and socialize with their host communities at the conclusion of a training year, according to Brig-Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, the Brigade Commander.
“The origin of WASA could be traced as far back as the Second World War, when the Nigerian Army fought as part of the larger West African Frontier Force. During this period, indigenous West African armies come together to celebrate their cultural heritage with their kinsmen at the end of every year.
“In the past, delegates were usually sent to the military by the village heads to seek the release of soldiers for this yearly ritual. However, instead of releasing the soldiers yearly to perform the ritual at their country homes, the colonial military authorities then, incorporated this tradition to the armies and named it WASA”
“The event is marked with sacrificial offering and cultural dances during the event. It is also used to celebrate the harvest or the beginning of the planting season to usher peace, bumper harvest and progress for the New Year.”
“WASA play a vital role of reminding the older generation of the Barracks community of the good times in Nigerian villages and at the same time, connecting the younger generation who were probably born outside their traditional communities to their roots.”
“WASA had in this contemporary time, become an avenue where the formations and units showcase their achievements. The brigade was able to achieve its training objectives for the 2024 to improve professionalism and sustain regimentation” he said.
Nonetheless, he assured the General Officer Commanding 2 Division and the Chief of Army Staff of the Brigade’s unwavering devotion to their leadership and the nation. The Nigerian Army’s General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Onubogu, stated that the purpose of the event was to engage and socialize with the host communities as a way of showing gratitude for their assistance.
In 2025, the Nigerian Army’s Chief of Staff for 2 Division, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, advocated for increased cooperation between the army and other sister security agencies. Traditional dancing, tug-of-war, and inspection of different units and subunit stands were all part of the 2024 WASA, which ended with a competition for food displays, a bonfire, and a beating of retreats.
