WASA Bridges Gap Between Military, Civilians – Commander

The Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 17 Brigade, Brigadier General M. I. Ibrahim, has described the West African Social Activities (WASA) as a historic tradition that continues to strengthen military-civilian relations, foster unity, and promote cultural integration in Katsina State.

Brigadier General Ibrahim stated this during the opening ceremony of the 17 Brigade WASA 2025 held at the parade ground of Natsinta Cantonment, Katsina.

He said the annual event remains a vital platform for bridging the gap between the Nigerian Army and its host communities.

According to him, WASA goes beyond a social gathering, as it brings together officers, soldiers, their families and civilians to mark the end of the year and usher in a new one, while reinforcing camaraderie, discipline and social cohesion within the military.

“WASA serves as an avenue for building strong relationships between Army personnel and the host community. It also promotes unity, interaction and understanding across ranks within the force,” the Brigade Commander said.

He traced the origin of WASA to the era of the West African Frontier Force, when local communities traditionally performed end-of-harvest and pre-planting rituals to pray for peace, prosperity and progress in the new year.

In those days, village heads often sought permission from military authorities to release soldiers to participate in the annual rites.

Brigadier General Ibrahim explained that to keep soldiers together while preserving the cultural essence of the tradition, the military authorities later incorporated the rituals into official Army activities, which eventually evolved into WASA.

The early celebrations featured traditional sacrifices, cultural dances, masquerade displays and other social activities.

He added that the colonial administration sustained the tradition to boost morale and foster esprit de corps among troops. Over time, WASA became a mandatory annual event across all Army formations, aimed at strengthening bonds among officers, soldiers and their families, celebrating the achievements of the outgoing year and symbolically ushering in the new one.

Speaking at the event, the state government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Nigerian Army and other security agencies operating in Katsina.

Honourable for Youth and Sport Development, Sirajo Yazid, who represented Governor DIkko Umaru Radda at the event, commended the troops for their discipline, professionalism and dedication, noting that the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state is largely a result of the sustained efforts of the 17 Brigade and other security formations.

The event attracted top military and security stakeholders, including representatives of the Nigerian Air Force 4th Operating Base and the Commander Land Air Components

The Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, was represented by the Commissioner,  Yazid. The Katsina State Commissioner of Police was also represented, alongside other heads of security agencies and senior officers of the 17 Brigade.

The colourful celebration featured rich cultural displays by Fulani, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and other ethnic groups, as well as performances by the Katsina State cultural troupe.

Other highlights included the inspection of traditional cuisines, presentation of awards and souvenirs to outstanding officers and soldiers, and a friendly tug-of-war competition between the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force, which entertained guests and drew applause.

As the celebrations unfolded, WASA 2025 once again showcased the human side of the Nigerian Army, an institution rooted not only in duty and sacrifice, but also in tradition, community engagement and harmonious civil-military relations.