Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has called for stronger military ties, support, and cooperation in tackling crime in the state.

Mr Okpebholo made the call on Sunday in Benin, in his remarks at the 2024 West African Social Activities (WASA) of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army.

Represented by his chief of staff, Gani Audu, the governor noted that 2024 ended successfully with unprecedented successes in the war against crime in the state, particularly during the yuletide period.

According to him, the support and cooperation of the military provided a secure environment for the peace-loving people of Edo to celebrate both Christmas and New Year freely.

“I want to commend the 4 Brigade for its efforts at ensuring peaceful coexistence with its host community and the general populace.

“This has boosted public confidence and ensured the safety of lives and property in the state. Therefore, we solicit more support and cooperation.”

Mr Okpebholo also commended other security agencies in the state for their unflinching support to the brigade.

He noted that WASA was meant to take soldiers and officers away from their routine regimented life through an atmosphere where they could unwind and relax freely with one another, their families, and civilians.

Earlier, the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, described WASA as a long-standing military tradition aimed at creating a social and conducive atmosphere for the relaxation of officers, soldiers, their families, and host communities.

Mr Oduyebo explained that 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 came 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 into the armies and named it WASA.

“WASA plays 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,” he said.

The Brigade Commander also said that WASA had, in contemporary times, become an avenue where the formations and units showcase their achievements.

He noted that the brigade was able to achieve its training objectives for 2024, which were to improve professionalism and sustain regimentation.

He stressed that WASA had helped to command the confidence of soldiers, foster esprit de corps, and share in the spirit of existing cultural diversity among personnel and their families.

He, however, reassured the Chief of Army Staff and the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the brigade’s unalloyed loyalty to their leadership and the country.

In the same vein, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, noted that the event was for the army to interact and socialise with its host community to appreciate its support.

Represented by Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, chief of staff of the division, he called for greater synergy between the army and other sister security agencies in 2025.

The event featured traditional dances, a tug of war, and the inspection of various units and subunit stands, with a beating of the retreat, bonfire, and food display competition.

(NAN)