Alltimepost.com Sincerity of Purpose
BY MIKE OSAROGIAGBON
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has lauded the Nigerian Army for its proactive operations that ensured the safety of lives and property across the state during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.The governor gave the commendation on Saturday at the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) organized by the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army at the Army Cantonment, Ekehuan, Benin City.
Okpebholo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, described the Army’s collaboration with other security agencies as instrumental to the relative peace recorded in the state during the Yuletide period.
A statement by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Capt. Kennedy Anyanwu, had said Edo State witnessed comparatively low incidents of violence and criminality owing to sustained security operations and inter-agency synergy.
The governor also commended the Brigade’s operational successes against kidnappers, internet fraudsters, illegal oil bunkerers and other economic saboteurs, noting that the efforts boosted public confidence in security agencies.
He expressed delight at the gathering of officers, soldiers, their families and friends in a relaxed atmosphere to mark the end of the 2025 training year and the beginning of a new one.
Okpebholo further praised the Commander, 4 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, for organizing what he described as a colorful display of Nigeria’s cultural heritage, adding that the WASA celebration aligned with Edo State’s cultural identity.
Earlier, Balogun explained that WASA is a long-standing military tradition aimed at fostering unity and strengthening relations between soldiers, their families and host communities after a rigorous training year.
He said the Brigade achieved its 2025 training objectives focused on professionalism and operational excellence, attributing the feat to the commitment of officers and soldiers, with the support of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. W. Shaibu, and the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. C. R. Nnebeife.
In his vote of thanks, the Chief of Staff, 4 Brigade, and Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Col. U. S. Agbo, thanked the governor for honoring the invitation and appreciated security chiefs, traditional rulers and other guests for their presence.
Captain Anyanwu disclosed that event also featured cultural dances from Hausa, Igbo, Calabar, Tiv, Idoma, Yoruba and Edo ethnic groups, rifle strip-and-assemble competitions, tug-of-war contests, award presentations, the beating of the retreat and the lighting of a bonfire.
