SANWO-OLU HAILS ARMY’S STABILIZING ROLE AS 81 DIVISION MARKS 2025 WASA IN GRAND STYLE

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has praised the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division for its sustained role in maintaining peace, stability and public safety in Nigeria’s commercial capital, underscoring the military’s importance to the state’s security architecture and economic resilience.

In a statement released by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the commendation was delivered during the Combined 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) of Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army Engineers and 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, held at the 9 Brigade Parade Ground, TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, Lagos.

Represented at the event by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Toyin Akinmade Ayinde, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, particularly through Operation MESA, to enhance operational effectiveness and public safety across the state.

The Governor described WASA as a historic and unifying tradition with roots in the era of the West African Frontier Force, noting that the annual event has endured as a platform for strengthening camaraderie, morale and esprit de corps among officers, soldiers and their families.
He acknowledged that troops of the 81 Division, like their counterparts nationwide, have remained actively engaged in internal security operations, capacity-building exercises and specialized training throughout the year. WASA, he said, offers a rare moment for personnel to decompress and celebrate their sacrifices and achievements alongside loved ones.

Governor Sanwo-Olu further commended the Nigerian Army for its’ partnership with the Lagos State Government, describing the collaboration as instrumental to the stability that underpins the state’s economic growth, investor confidence and social development.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his consistent support to the military under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has strengthened the Army’s capacity to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, described WASA as a defining tradition marking the close of the Army’s annual operational and training calendar. He commended officers and soldiers of the Division for their professionalism, resilience and dedication over the past year.

Major General Mijinyawa highlighted the Division’s successful execution of all training activities outlined in the Nigerian Army Training Directive for 2025, as well as the hosting of four major Army Headquarters level engagements. He also disclosed that in December 2025, the Division swiftly deployed troops to support the Republic of Benin in line with ECOWAS Protocols, describing the operation as a testament to the Army’s regional commitment and professionalism.

The GOC expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, NAM, for his leadership and timely provision of resources that enabled the Division to meet its operational and training objectives.
The event drew a cross-section of Nigeria’s security and civic leadership, including senior serving and retired military officers, heads of security agencies, captains of industry, traditional rulers, community leaders and other distinguished guests.
Highlights of the ceremony included awards presentations to outstanding soldiers, exhibitions of Nigerian cultural cuisines and traditional attire, cultural displays, comedy performances, a tug-of-war contest, the ceremonial lowering of the National Flag and the lighting of the bonfire; symbolically bringing the 2025 WASA to a close.