From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The 1 Division Nigerian Army has held a regimental funeral ceremony for its late mascot, Sgt. Dalet Danfari Akawala, who passed away on 24 January 2025.
The ceremony, which took place at the Division Headquarters Complex in Kawo, Kaduna, was attended by senior officers, officers, soldiers, and their families.
In his address, Deputy Chief of Staff Administration in the Division, Colonel I.A. Akabike, described Sgt. Akawala as an integral part of the Division’s tradition and rich cultural heritage.
“Late Sgt Dalet Danfari Akawala served the Division with loyalty and dedication, embodying the spirit of courage and resilience,” he said.
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Adams Yahaya, said Sgt. Akawala was a direct descendant of the pioneer mascot of the Division, Sgt. Farin Doki, who served from 1995 until his death in 2011.
The funeral ceremony concluded with prayers offered by Lt. Col. Ugwu, the Acting Deputy Director Chaplain Services (Protestant).
“The 1 Division Nigerian Army conducted a regimental funeral ceremony for its late mascot, Sgt. Dalet Danfari Akawala, on Saturday, 25 January 2025, at the Division Headquarters Complex in Kawo, Kaduna.
“The solemn funeral was presided over by Colonel I.A. Akabike, Deputy Chief of Staff Administration, who represented Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division NA and Commander Sector 1 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
“After Sgt. Farin Doki’s death, the Division acquired a new mascot, Sgt. Danfari Akawala, who served until his death in 2014.
“Sgt. Danfari Akawala’s foal, Sgt. Dalet, succeeded his father as the Division’s mascot on 1 January 2015 and faithfully served until his demise on 24 January 2025,” Yahaya added.