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…pledges to support army schools with infrastructure, internet, computers
By: Okosun Dennis
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given his assurance to wives of officers and soldiers under 81 Division, Nigerian Army’s areas of responsibilities to empower and make them relevant in the productive sector of the economy through various empowerment programmes of his government.
He noted with enthusiasm of his determination to support them and ensure that the dividends of democracy is felt in the barracks by working with the Nigerian Army Officer’s Wives Association (NAOWA) through the Ministry to empower the women.
The Governor who was the Special Guest of Honour at the 2021 West African Social Activities (WASA) held at the 9 Brigade Parade Ground, Ikeja Cantonment on Saturday, expressed joy for the uniqueness of the occasion since it wasn’t held in the previous year.
While addressing officers, soldiers, friends and especially wives and children, Gov Sanwo-Olu didn’t not hide his love and care for the children as he vowed to bring every support to the women through the Ministry and provide infrastructure and internet facilities in Nigerian Army school within the barracks which would assist the children become better leaders of tomorrow.
While acknowledging the ernomous contributions of the Nigerian Army at galvanising cohesive unity, Sanwo-Olu said, “the entire nation is represented in all the stands and that brings the unity the Nigerian Army stands for; the peace you continue to provide and the sense of responsibility and the professionalism that is enshrined in the NA.
“We salute the leaders that set this up and the tradition you are keeping. As a government, we need to ensure we support you and the dividend of democracy is also felt in the barracks. We would be working with NAOWA to bring about empowerment to the women.
“I am given my commitment that I will be able to touch the lives of officers and soldiers in this barracks. We would work together and our ministry will come and identify what kind of empowerment, skills we can bring that would help you support your husbands while they are serving the nation.
“I can see that Nigerian Army Education Corp is stringent, capable and able. We can support your schools with infrastructure and internet – computers – to help children of the barracks become great citizens of tomorrow.
“Today, it is not just about soldiers but about family engagement. You can see the children, wives and spouses all turned out in large numbers to celebrate with the men.
“I thank the officers and soldiers for the great work you are doing for our country to keep security and the sanctity of our nation and especially the great work you are doing with other security operatives particularly in Lagos State,” Gov Sanwo-Olu reiterated.
“We would continue to support all the women to ensure that what is obtainable outside is brought to the barracks,” he concluded.
In his welcome address, the Commander, 9 Brigade Garrison, Nigerian Army, Lt Col Tahir Jalalain Abdallah thanked officers and soldiers for curbing insecurity within its areas of responsibilities in Lagos. He applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his ernomous logistics support to OP MESA throughout the year.
On the WASA, Lt Col Abdallah observed that apart from providing unique opportunity for officers and soldiers to relax after rigorous training year, it provides avenues for social interaction that engenders civil-military relations and a platform for family and friends to socialise.
“We appreciate God for his mercies for officers and soldiers deployed at various theatre of operations across the country and we have had tremendous successes.”
Featuring cultural dance troupes from Mbula dance; Chamba dance; Wazobia Entertainment (Hausa); Yoruba dance, it was a galaxy of activities that was uniquely orchestrated with dancing feet and match past that featured among others, the Nigerian Army Magajiyas, Nigerian Army Wives, Taekwando, Nigerian Navy and Airforce Female Tug of war participants.
In its show of force, the soldiers wives outclassed female soldiers while the female Airforce overwhelmed Nigerian Navy female tug of war teams respectively. Also, the Lagos Neighbuorhood Security corps were declared winners as their opponent Road Safety didn’t show up to participate.
Adding galore, Okwute Blessing Uche, popularly known as “Flexible Blessing”, a third year level student of the Lagos State University displayed her anaerobic athleticism.
Present at the West African Social Activities (WASA) were the General Officer Commanding GOC 81 Division Nigerian Army Maj Gen Lawrence Fejokwu, his wife, the Commander, 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment, Brig Gen Lander Saraso, traditional ruler of Onigbongbo community, Maryland.
Prizes were given to deserving soldiers from all the units and formations under the brigade.
