Nigeria is one, united in diversity – Governor Tambuwal

Abiodun OBA

The organisation of West Africa Social Activities (WASA) 2021 of Nigerian Army which allowed the people to showcase their cultural diversity despite its commitment and engagement, shows that Nigeria is one that is united in diversity.

The Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, made the remark

at parade ground of 26 battalion, Ginginya Barack, Sokoto.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Sa’aidu Umar, Tambuwal saluted the courage and gallantry of Nigerian Army in combating insurgency and banditry in the country.

Tambuwal disclosed that his administration would give full support to Nigerian Army in all its operations in the state.

In his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 8th Division of the Nigeria army headquarters in Sokoto, Major General Uwem Bassey, said the Nigeria army would continue to remain responsive and committed to the task of defending the country’s territorial integrity.

The GOC reiterated the commitment of Nigerian army to suppress all forms of insurrections by various criminal elements disturbing the peace of the country.

He, therefore, assured the people of the state of the army’s unwavering commitments and loyalty in the quest of keeping the country as an indivisible entity.

Bassey maintained that the event should have come up by the end of December 2021, stressing that it is an annual event.

He explained that the event is historic in the life of the Nigerian army, which dated back to the colonial days of the West African Frontier Forces, when the British Colonial Commanders incorporated a social forum into the African military life.

The GOC stated that at the event, every ethnic group in the barracks displayed its rich cultural heritage showcased its traditional dances.

He said: “This is the army’s style of unwinding from the strict regimental lifestyle of the military usually at the end of a successful training year.

Bassey appreciated the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Farouk Yahaya, “whose passion for regimentation and professionalism, according to him, provided funds to organise WASA for the army.”

The heads of other military and paramilitary organisations in the state also attended the event.