Musa Na Allah Sokoto
The General Officer Commanding 8 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Godwin Mutkut has said that the military will not compromise professionalism, discipline, and standards in its operations.
General Mutkut called for total dedication and commitment of officers and men in the Division to the course of the service as he noted that there had been tremendous improvement in operational activities as a result of the requisite interventions.
The General was speaking on Friday at the 2023 annual West African Social Activities (WASA) event at the Giginya Barracks 26 Battalion parade ground, Sokoto describing the annual WASA as a social display that further unites and strengthens the bond of togetherness within the military circle and mutual relations with the civil population.
“WASA has always boosted the spirit of military professionalism and enhanced their morale during combatant exercises among other engagements”, pointed out Mutkut.
He, however, said the army must act in conformity with the philosophy of the COAS, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja of keying into the drive of transforming the military through training and motivation.
“We are working towards ensuring a well-motivated military force with a high sense of professionalism discipline and results, especially during operations.
“We must also be security conscious by monitoring and reporting strange and unusual occurrences within and around our environment for prompt and rapid response actions”, he alerted.
While recalling the operational activities and successes of the Division in the preceding year, Mutkut who is also the theatre Commander of Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji said numerous infrastructural developments were executed and inaugurated among which include the 8 Division complex, 1 km road network within the Barracks as well renovation of other multiple projects.
“The 8 Division Headquarters under his command would focus on consolidating the operational and developmental projects witnessed in 2023, added” We are most sincerely grateful to COAS for supporting the Division’s infrastructural and troops training and welfare drive to success
“The West Africa Social Activities (WASA) serve as a link between the military and the civil society.
The GOC who was the special guest of honour at the event said he was delighted by the effort of the leadership of various Army formations in the Barracks to make the day a reality for officers, soldiers, and their families despite the challenging operating environment.
He said over time, WASA had helped to bring the families of soldiers and officers together and also enhance their relationship.
In his remarks as Special Guest of Honour, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto represented by the Special Adviser on Security, Col. Ahmed Usman rtd, noted that the army had made numerous positive sacrifices in keeping the country together as symbolized by the WASA annual event which shows cased the different cultural and historical heritage of Nigeria.
“Is fast fostering unity, harmony, and brotherhood within the military and Nigeria’s environment.”
While pointing out that the country was shrouded by multiple security challenges, the governor believed that the army remained the fulcrum and strategic institution capable of making Nigeria.
He said: “The state government is saluting the military and families for the resilience and sacrifices and will continue to support you for sustained operations in defense of the country’s sovereignty as well as providing security to the state “
Meanwhile, no fewer than 21 soldiers of the Division received prizes and gifts for individually distinguishing themselves in 2023 as a thug of war between the GOC Garrison and the 26 Battalion Magajiyas including various cultural troops were displayed to to climax the event.
