Food, music, games as soldiers drop guns in Niger

When Army officers and soldiers gathered in Kontagora, Niger State, there were no assault weapons in sight. Rather, it was a time to kick back and relax, reports ABDULGAFAR ALABELEWE

Culture was on display as music, foods and drinks were generously served at the combined celebration of ‘WASA’ by the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery (NACA) of the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) and 311 Artillery Brigade, Kontagora, Niger State. Even as the event took place on the regimented parade ground of the Artillery Regiment, guns were not visible; even armoured tanks were not in sight. The usually stern-looking soldiers mixed with civilians in mufti, as they tried out dancing steps in response to melodies of traditional music and special tunes supplied by the army band.

Wasa, which incidentally means ‘play’ in Hausa, is an acronym for the age-long military tradition called West African Social Activities. The tradition, according to the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna, Major-General Mohammed Mohammed, who was the guest of honour at the event, is an informal social gathering for officers, soldiers and their families and friends to wine together, so that soldiers don’t become dull like the proverbial Jack.

The colourful occasion came to a climax with the traditional thug of war between wives of soldiers, popularly referred to as ‘Magajiya’ of NACA and NATRAC. But despite the expertise of their husbands in training of other troops, Magajiyas of training centre lost to wives of artillery soldiers.

However, in cultural dance and display, the Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Tiv, Efik and Adamawa troops performed excellently well, to the excitement of the large audience.

Speaking further on the essence of WASA, the GOC said, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, goes the popular saying. However, it is not only Jack that can become dull by working without playing, even our personnel will become dull if only subjected to ‘work work work’ without necessary recreation to relax their minds and bodies. This is the whole essence of this gathering.

“It is pleasing that despite the huge involvement of the two formations and unit spanning from training to operations, to enhancing peace and security in Kontagora and its environs in particular and Nigeria in general, the year 2018 edition of WASA could still be held.

“I am certain we all had a nice relaxing time out. The rich cultural endowment of Nigeria has been brought out for all to see in a well organised and educative manner and the excitement in the air is a testimony to this.

“I have really enjoyed myself and indeed happy to be here. As you begin activities for year 2019, I urge you to remain focused, resolute and professional in carrying out your duties,” he said.

On the forthcoming general elections, the GOC reminded the troops of the Chief of Army Staff’s directive that all Nigerian Army personnel must remain apolitical during the polls, warning that, amy personnel found wanting will be appropriately sanctioned.

General Mohammed commended the officers and soldiers’ wives for keeping the home front while their husbands fight in defence of the nation. He also prayed for the officers and soldiers who died in the battle against insurgents.

“As I on behalf of the officers and soldiers of 1 Division Nigerian Army and our families rejoice with you on this occasion and commend our wives for keeping the home front, I cannot but also appreciate our colleagues who paid the supreme price in the course of duty for the security and peace of our dear nation Nigeria and world at large. May the souls of the departed rest in peace. For their families, I pray that Almighty God continue to shower his mercies on them and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Similarly, the Commander NACA, Major-General Abubakar Tarfa who traced the history of WASA to colonial era said, during the Second World War, the forebearers of the soldiers under the West African Frontier Forces (WAFF) distinguished themselves in many battles owing to their diverse cultural inclinations.

According to him, the colonial authorities thereafter introduced WASA and made it an annual event to permit the African soldiers to observe any local cultural rituals.

General Tarfa said, enormous security challenges confronting the nation notwithstanding, 2018 was quite busy and eventful for the Nigerian Army, as it strived to live up to expectations.

He however assured that, the Nigerian Army will remain consistent in its collaboration with other security agencies to ensure security of lives and property and peaceful co-existence of all in the country and particularly their host communities.

Highlights of the occasion were; lighting of the camp fire by the Guest of Honour, Major-General Mohammed Mohammed, and presentation of awards to outstanding personnel who distinguished themselves during the 2018 training and operational year.

The awardees include female Engineer Beauty Elisha of 311 Artillery Regiment,

Lance Bombadier Musa Abdullahi of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery and Sgt. Tikikus Baffayo of Nigerian Army Training Centre.

The barracks children who were earlier mere spectators however took over the stage at the closing of the event, They danced to the popular Olamide’s song,  ‘Science Student’. They raised dust, as they chorused the lyrics; ‘eruku ti poju asiri tu…. Awon omo science students, won ti po chemical po’.