The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, has applauded the relentless efforts of the Nigerian Army, NA, in its war against those he described as enemies of the people.
The Speaker stated this at the headquarters of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery during the 2023 annual event of the West African Social Activities, WASA 2023, organised at the Nagwamatse Cantonment, Kontagora, Niger State.
He specifically commended the army for restoring peace and sanity along the Minna-Tegina-Kontagora highway after years of banditry activities.
According to him: “Travellers on the roads and other highways in the state can now heave a sigh of relief. We appreciate their unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and properties of the people of Kontagora Emirate and Niger State at large.”
The Speaker, who was the special guest at the occasion, also noted that 2023 was a challenging year for the Nigerian Army as a result of its involvement in internal security across the country.
He observed: “Despite all these challenges, the Army has lived up to expectations in the war against bandits, insurgents and other criminal elements in the country.
“What the Nigerian Army needs from Nigerians is prayers and support, particularly from government at all levels, to enable them to win the war against those who have continued to make lives miserable for the citizens.
“The Army has continued to make sacrifices in the face of challenges confronting it as a profession saddled with the responsibility of safeguarding the territorial integrity of Nigeria.”
On the WASA 2023, Sarkin Daji said the event is a vital link between the military and civil society, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the two essential pillars of society.
Earlier, the Commander of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Major General M. G. Kangye, explained that WASA was organised to mark the end of the training activities to bring together officers and soldiers and their families to showcase the diverse and rich cultures of various ethnic groups.
The highlights of the event include the presentation of awards of excellence to deserving soldiers who distinguished themselves during the training year, as well as cultural displays by various ethnic groups.