In appreciation of the contributions of the Nigerian Army to the reign of peace in Akwa Ibom State, the Governor Udom Emmanuel has donated N200 million to it.
The money is for the renovation of Wellington Bassey Barracks in Ibagwa in Abak local government area of the state.
The governor made the donation during the 2017 West African Social Activity (WASA) held in the barracks on Saturday.
He said he made the donation because the soldiers deserved good accommodation, particularly in view of their contributions to the peace of the society.
“Through this barracks, they (soldiers) have helped us to actually keep peace within the community and Akwa Ibom State.
“Through this barracks, they have been able to enforce discipline in so many quarters. It will not be wise for me to be here as a governor, and just leave this barracks without our signature.
“We will make available to you almost immediately the sum of N200 million,” he said.
While commending the Chief of Army Staff, the GOC 6 Division and the Commander 2 Brigade for upholding the WASA tradition, he urged the Army to pay attention to areas that would touch the lives of children and women in the barracks.
He also praised the Army for the high level of training given to the soldiers irrespective of gender.
“Let me appreciate the Nigerian Army for what I am seeing today, you could not differentiate the strength of the men from the women.
“It shows the adequacy and capacity of the training that we are building through human resources.”
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In his speech at the occasion, the Commander 2 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Abdu Hassan, said that WASA was the Army’s way of unwinding in a social atmosphere.
He traced the origin of WASA to the period of West African Frontier Force, where persons in the society whose ancestral background with some traditional and customary heritage started joining the army.
According to him, sacrifices were usually offered at the end of the harvest and beginning of planting season to their gods for bounty harvest.
He said during the periods, delegates were usually sent to military authorities to release soldiers for the yearly rituals.
Hassan explained that instead of the military continuing to release soldiers to go for the yearly rituals, the military authority incorporated it into the army activities and coined it WASA.
He commended Emmanuel for personally honouring the invitation.
He also thanked the Chief of Army Staff for giving approval for the Brigade to host the WASA 2017.
