Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has reiterated the commitment of his administration’s priority to security for the needed peace for development.
Mbah said this on Saturday in Enugu during the 82 Division West African Social Activities (WASA) which marks the end of 2024 Operational Year for the Division.
The governor, represented by the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-industrialisation, Dr Patrick Ubru, said that the state would continue to build and invest in security, especially cutting edge technologies that are game changers.
He assured the division of the state government continued support to carry out its mandate in ensuring security in the state and other areas of coverage.
The governor lauded the Nigerian Army for upholding its WASA tradition to promote culture and unity among personnel and host communities.
“WASA remains an event that brings Nigerians together, promotes our rich culture and heritage as well as helps to unify us as a people and nation.
“The essence and spirit of WASA is in line with this administration’s resolve and target to make Enugu State a tourism and hospitality hub in the country,” he said.
Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, said that WASA provided an opportunity for officers, soldiers and their families and friends to meet in a convivial environment.
Dada, who is also the Force Commander of Joint Security Task-Force South-East, ‘Operation Udo Ka’, assured the commitment of the division to continue to contain criminal activities in the zone, particularly that of the proscribed armed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The GOC who listed some of the development projects executed in the division, thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for supporting infrastructural development and programmes in the division in 2024.
Dada announced that the WASA would be his last as the GOC of the division having been redeployed, and urged for support to his successor.
“I will also solicit that you extend the same cooperation given to me as GOC to the new GOC and to keep the tempo of operations and activities high within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR),” he said.
Highlights of the event included cultural dances, tug-of-war, special renditions, tug-of-war, bonfire, presentation of awards and certificates to 22 personnel for exceptional performance in 2024 operational year.