The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army Lagos, Maj. Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa has commended soldiers of 243 Battalion, Badagry for recording modest achievements in improving security in its area of responsibility in 2024.
Mijinyawa stated this at the annual 2024 West African Social Activities (WASA), held at the 243 Battalion Barracks sport ground in Ibereko , Badagry, on Saturday in Lagos.
“I want to sincerely commend officers and soldiers of 243 Battalion for their professional and resilience in sustaining peace and security in Badagry and Lagos in general.
“The Army Headquarters, Government and people of Lagos appreciate your efforts at ensuring security and peace, they enjoy in the state today, which is not without joint efforts of other security agencies,” he said.
The GOC said the nation is battling certain security challenges and the Nigerian Army is in the forefront of tackling these challenges.
“In the past years, major successes were recorded by the Army across the nation. It is therefore worthy to note that, troops of 81 Division have achieved positive results.
“The sacrifices and dedication of our troops cannot be quantified, in the course of our duty, some have paid the supreme sacrifice.
“The successes achieved could not have been possible without the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Government of Lagos State. We indeed remain grateful,” he said.
On WASA, the GOC congratulated the officers and men of the battalion on their successful training and operations in year 2024 which had climaxed with the celebration.
“I urge you to continue with your good efforts and be rest assured of my unrelenting support at all times.
“I also want to assure you of my commitment to look into some other aspects of your welfare in the barracks in this new training year 2025.
“As we celebrate this year’s WASA, I enjoined all of you to remain loyal to constituted authority, be law abiding and professional in the defence of our nation,” he said.
In his opening speech, Col. Abdullahi Abdu,the Commanding Officer, 243 Battalion Barracks of Nigerian Army, Ibereko, Badagry, said he was delighted to see a vibrant and diverse audience gracing them with their presence.
“WASA is an event meant to take officers, soldiers, staff, families, friends and their well-wishers away from their routine office life to an atmosphere where they can unwind and relax freely with one another.
“We come together to celebrate the power of unity and friendship.
“Today, we stand here surrounded by warm feelings, good cheers, and a shared sense of purpose.
“We are reminded of the inherent beauty in human interactions, as we witness the power of fellowship and community.
“Let us take a moment to appreciate the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, for his untiring support in providing resources for this occasion, while also approving renovation on some dilapidated structures in the Barracks.
“I wish to also thank the Special Guest of Honour, the GOC 81 Division for making time out of his busy schedule to honour us with his presence while appreciating him for his guidance and direction always accorded to us,” he said.
It was reported that 13 soldiers were given special awards for displaying excellence in their area of responsibilities while 20 wives of officers and soldiers were also given scholarships to further their education.
Officials from Nigerian Navy, DSS, traditional rulers in Badagry, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, NDLEA, FRSC, residents of Badagry and Lagos graced the occasion.
It was reported that 243 Battalion Barracks emerged winner in the tug of war competition by defeating 15 Field Engineer, Nigerian Navy who participated in the competition.
