Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army for what he described as its unwavering commitment to maintaining peace, safety and the protection of lives and property across Lagos State.
The governor gave the commendation on Sunday in Ikeja, Lagos, during the Combined 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) of Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army Engineers and 9 Brigade, held at the 9 Brigade Parade Ground, TA Lagbaja Cantonment.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Toyin Akinmade Ayinde, Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, especially under Operation MESA, to enhance their operational effectiveness.
“The Lagos State Government deeply appreciates the fruitful partnership we share with the Nigerian Army, which has greatly contributed to peace and security in the state, thereby promoting economic growth and development,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu described WASA as a historic tradition dating back to the West African Frontier Force, noting that it was designed to promote unity, camaraderie and esprit de corps among troops and their families.
He said personnel of the 81 Division, like their counterparts nationwide, had remained actively engaged in operations, training and internal security assignments, adding that WASA provided “a well-deserved opportunity for officers and soldiers to relax and celebrate the achievements of the year with their loved ones.”
The governor also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his support to the military under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said had strengthened the Army’s ability to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Major-General Farouk Mijinyawa, said WASA remained a cherished tradition marking the end of the Army’s annual activities.
“I commend the officers and soldiers of the Division for their dedication and hard work in accomplishing all assigned tasks over the past twelve months,” Mijinyawa said.
He noted that the Division successfully executed all training activities outlined in the Nigerian Army Training Directive 2025 and hosted four major Army Headquarters-level activities during the year.
The GOC disclosed that in December 2025, the Division, acting on the directive of Army Headquarters, “swiftly and professionally deployed troops to support the Republic of Benin in line with the ECOWAS Protocol.”
He thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, for his leadership and for approving resources for the Division’s operational and training programmes.
The event attracted senior serving and retired military officers, heads of security agencies, captains of industry, traditional and community leaders and other invited guests.
Highlights of the ceremony included the presentation of awards to outstanding soldiers, cultural displays, traditional cuisines and attire, comedy and tug-of-war contests, the lowering of the national flag, and the lighting of a bonfire, signalling the close of the 2025 WASA.
