2023 NASA:  Brig-Gen Wase lauds exercise

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Commander, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Abubakar Wase has described the annual Nigerian Army Social Activities (NASA) as a means of fostering unity and enhancing the cultural diversities of the country.

The Commander stated this in his remarks during the events commemorating 2022 NASA, held at the Military Cantonment Mbiokporo, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Capt. Samuel Akari said this in a statement issued in Uyo and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.

Wase said that NASA, formerly West African Social Activities (WASA), was an opportunity to bring officers, soldiers’ families, and friends to socialise in a conducive atmosphere.

“NASA is an accepted practice of getting officers, soldiers’ families as well as civilian friends to socialise in a conducive atmosphere.

“It is an annual event which affords officers, soldiers and their families as well as friends the opportunity to interact freely. 

“The event is organised to commemorate the successful end of the year taking cognisance of the achievement recorded.

“The event serves as a forum where various ethnic groups showcase their culture and by extension foster the spirit of unity and togetherness amongst ethnic groups within the barracks and its host community,” the Brigade Commander said.

Also, Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom said that NASA had given the civilian populace an opportunity to celebrate with the Nigerian Army in a friendly atmosphere.

Emmanuel, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, said the military profession all over the world was full of challenges, adding that NASA was designed to ease such stress and tension.

“Military profession all over the world, no doubt, is full of challenges, stress and tension.

“NASA and other social functions organised in the military are designed at easing such stress and tension and to enable troops to forge ahead and face any challenge with a renewed strength,” he said.

Highlights of the event included a cultural display by cultural troupes, tug of war, presentation of awards to deserving soldiers, the beating of the retreat and the lighting of the bonfire.