The Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Education
Corps (NAEC) marked the successful close of its 2025 activities with a grand West
African Social Activities (WASA) celebration held at the Command Children
School Sports Complex in Yaba, Lagos State.
WASA, a longstanding tradition in the Nigerian
Army, serves as an end-of-year gathering that unites officers, soldiers,
civilian staff, and their families. The event features cultural performances,
music, dance, games, and social bonding to boost morale, reflect on
achievements, and strengthen regimental unity after a year of dedicated service
and training.
Acting Commander of the Nigerian Army Education
Corps and Chief Host, Brigadier General Yushau Dogara Ahmed, delivered the
welcome address, describing WASA as a vital morale-boosting platform that
reinforces unity, discipline, and military integration. He stressed that
operational effectiveness relies on cohesive, disciplined units and personnel.
Brigadier General Ahmed expressed gratitude to
the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu (Nigerian Army
Medal), for his confidence in the Corps' leadership and for continued
infrastructural improvements across Command Schools. He also commended NAEC
personnel and families for their resilience, selfless service, and dedication
throughout the year.
Highlighting key achievements, the Acting
Commander noted significant progress in teaching quality and defense-oriented
Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I). Notable advancements include
projects at the Nigerian Army College of Environmental Studies (NACEST) and the
Nigerian Army College of Education (NACOE), such as work on drones, Improvised
Explosive Device (IED) robotics, and Smart Armory Systems. He added that
Command Schools students are now integrated into RD&I initiatives, with
NACEST designated as the Nigerian Army's RD&I Focal Unit. NAEC personnel
have continued to excel across various formations, underscoring the Corps'
commitment to innovation and readiness.
The Special Guest of Honour, Major General KO
Ogunkoya (rtd), expressed thanks to God for guidance and blessings, viewing the
celebration as a sign of divine favor and strong institutional cohesion. He
praised Brigadier General Ahmed for the warm reception and excellent
organization, reaffirming WASA's role in promoting cultural tolerance and
national unity.
Major General Ogunkoya commended the COAS for
sustained infrastructural support to the Nigerian Military School (NMS) and
Command Schools, which have positively impacted welfare, morale, and
educational standards for Army personnel and families. He urged NAEC officers,
soldiers, and civilian staff to reciprocate this support by maintaining high
standards of excellence, loyalty, and professionalism while striving for even
greater accomplishments in 2026.
The event drew dignitaries including the
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General AA
Babalola (represented by Brigadier General YD Ahmed), Major General SK Oni
(rtd), Brigadier General CA Bossman (rtd), senior officers, paramilitary
representatives, soldiers, families, and well-wishers.
Highlights included colorful cultural displays,
a tug-of-war competition, refreshments, stand tours, award presentations,
souvenir distributions, a bonfire lighting ceremony, and a group photograph.
The celebration was coordinated under the
auspices of the Nigerian Army College of Education, Ilorin, Kwara State.
This year's WASA reinforced the Nigerian Army
Education Corps' pivotal role in education, innovation, and the overall
enhancement of military capabilities while fostering community and esprit de
corps.