CONVERGENCE OF CULTURE AS 103 BATTALION AWKUNANAW HOLDS WASA

This is perhaps why the Nigerian Army on a yearly basis holds a social gathering termed “West African Social Activities,” WASA for short. In line with this, 103 Battalion Awkunanaw Barracks Enugu, which is under the 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu, held the 2019 edition of WASA at its play ground with the Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the Special Guest of Honour.

The West African Social Activities, popularly known as WASA is an aged long military tradition celebrated annually at the end of an operation or a training year in every military unit and formation. The history of WASA could be traced to the Second World War, during which soldiers from Nigeria fought gallantly under the auspices of the West African Volunteer Force.

In order not to allow soldiers to mingle with people of dubious character, which would be inimical to group order and discipline, the army authorities at that time thought of means of engaging the soldiers at their leisure time, hence WASA was introduced. The event is aimed at bringing officers, soldiers and their families as well as their civilian friends together to socialize and celebrate the socio-cultural heritage of various tribes in the barracks.

According to the Commanding Officer, 103 Battalion Awkunawnaw Enugu, Lieutenant Colonel Yusuf Salisu, the battalion see WASA as a unifying event. “This is an avenue to bridge, if there is any, existing gap between the officers soldiers and their families; and the soldiers, they are happy so that tomorrow they have no reason when you ask them to move, they will move,” Lt. Col Salisu explained.

It was a very colourful event as various tribes and states, including Igbo, Yoruba, Idoma, Fulani, Nupe, Rivers-Bayelsa and Adamawa, in amazing outfits show cased their traditional dances to the admiration of a populous audience. A very exciting moment was a tug of war between barracks women and female youth corps members serving in the barracks, a battle which was won by the barracks women.

One of the corps members, Miss Florence Ajawo, described the tug of war and the whole event as awesome and elating. “Honestly speaking, I am so happy because this is my first time of experiencing such thing; like different cultures coming together to display their uniqueness,” Miss Ajawo expressed.

Just before the end of the event, Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi  Ugwuanyi presented souvenirs to five categories of soldiers. They were best disciplined, best turn out, best sportsman and woman, most effective and best overall soldier. Also, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu Major General Lasisi Adegboye attended the event and was also presented with a souvenir.  

There was plenty to eat and drink while the event ended with the lightening of camp fire.

CHUKWUBUIKE MADU

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