The Director-General, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, Maj.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, has charged officers and soldiers of the Guard Brigade to be alive to their responsibilities of providing security to the president and the Federal Capital Territory.
Ezugwu made the call at the 176 Brigade Battalion West African Social Activities (WASA) 2020, at AO Azazi Barracks, Gwagwalada Abuja, on Saturday.
He said the nation was currently facing several security challenges of which the Nigerian Army had engaged in several operations to address.
Ezugwu said the personnel of the Guards Brigade, had over the years, discharged their responsibilities effectively, urging them not to rest on their oars.
He said the brigade also conducted several operations to ensure that the FCT metropolis remained safe and secure in addition to the task of protecting the President.
“As a member of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, I believe that you are very much alive to your responsibilities as evident in the way and manner you have conducted your affairs thus far.
“I want to urge you not to relent on your oars no matter the hurt and challenges that may come along as you discharge your responsibilities to our dear country Nigeria.
“The entire nation counts on your professionalism and perseverance to take the country out of its current state and I believe that 176 Battalion will not fail the Nigerian Army,” he said.
Ezugwu said that WASA, which comes once in a year, was a way of celebrating the hardworking officers and soldiers as well as their families within the barracks.
He said the interface between the Guard Brigade and other security agencies for the security of Mr President and indeed the security of FCT had been well commended in many circles.
“It is my sincere belief that 175 Battalion, being one of the battalions of the brigade has carried out its tasks diligently to achieve the mandate of the brigade.
“In all these, you showed no tiredness but you rather exhibited discipline, loyalty and astute dedication to duty.
“Your hard work and service to the nation is very highly appreciated,” he said.
The Commanding Officer, 176 Battalion, Lt.-Col. Joshua Adisa, said that WASA celebration aims to appreciate God for His guidance and protection throughout the year and display their cultural heritage.
Adisa said the event, which featured many colourful displays was to prove that the military tradition is not only about carrying arms but also had respect for tradition
He commended the Commander of Guards Brigade and the high command of the Nigerian Army for the opportunity provided by the Barracks community to showcase their tradition.
The Commanding Officer said that WASA’s origin dated back to colonial period when the indigenous Nigerian Army frontier celebrated their cultural heritage at the end of every year.
He said that the colonial authorities instituted the event, adding that the Nigerian Army had sustained and made it an annual event.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some soldiers who distinguished themselves in service during the year were presented with award of excellence.
The Chairmen of Gwagwalada, Abaji, Kuje and Kwali Area Councils and the Agwuma of Gwagwalada were among dignitaries who attended the event.
