By Victor Akaa.
The outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Jamal Abdussalam, has emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for sustained oil production in the Niger Delta Region (NDR).
This call to action was made yesterday, during the West African Social Activities (WASA) for the year ended 2024, held at the 29 Battalion Parade Ground, Port Harcourt Barracks.
According to the 6 Division’s Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, explained that Major General Abdussalam noted that this has become expedient for the Federal Government to meet its set target for 2025 and beyond.
He therefore charged troops to brace up and do whatever it takes to ensure oil output continues to increase. He used the medium to thank the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his continued efforts in repositioning the NA through his vision, strategic guidance, and direction.
The GOC noted that WASA is a significant event that is part of the customs and traditions of the NA. He said, the event is meant to strengthen social relationships amongst officers, soldiers, and their families through cultural displays, musical performances, and other regimental activities.
According to him, it was also an opportunity for the barracks community to showcase the rich and diversified cultural heritage of Nigeria.
He maintained that it was an event that marked the end of an eventful year, while heralding the beginning of a new year.
He paid special tributes to officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice for peace and security in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the cordial relationship between the military and civilian authority strengthens a healthy society. Governor Fubara, who was represented by the Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Israel Ngbuelo Lebura, maintained that WASA is an age-long military tradition which is used to strengthen and promote cultural and family values in the NA.
He added that it also used to bring families of officers and soldiers together, as well as friends, to mark the end of the year’s training and activities, as well as gear up for the new year’s activities. Governor Fubara disclosed that the effort, dedication, and sacrifices of the NA are worthy of commendation.
He asserted that the Rivers State Government is particularly impressed with the zeal the NA is tackling security challenges in the NDR.
He also used the opportunity to commend the GOC and his officers and men for the fight against oil theft and other security challenges.
This, he said, is highly commendable. Major highlights of the event were cultural displays, tug of war, presentation of awards to soldiers, as well as group photographs. While the major highpoints were the beating of retreat and the lighting of bonfire.
The event, which brought together military personnel and their families, was a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in achieving national goals.
The GOC’s call to action serves as a reminder of the Nigerian Army’s crucial role in maintaining national security and promoting economic growth through sustained oil production, Enugu Reporters noted.
