The Katsina State Government has attributed the relative peaceful atmosphere being experienced in the state to largely professional competence and discipline of the officers and soldiers of the 17 Brigade and other sister security agencies in the state.

The government, while appreciating their efforts and sacrifices, also promised to always do its best in rendering support to the Army and other security sister agencies towards accomplishing their task in bringing peace and restoring law in the entire State.

Governor Dikko Radda disclosed this on Saturday at the 2023 annual West African Social Activities (WASA) organized by the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, at the 35 Battalion Parade Ground, Natsinta Barracks, Katsina.

The Governor who was the special guest of honor, was represented by the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu.

He further commended officers and soldiers of the brigade for their untiring efforts towards ensuring security of lives and property in the state.

“Your efforts is highly commendable. I urged you to maintain the laudable standard. The historical role of ‘WASA’ serves as an avenue that fosters good relationship between the Nigerian Army personnel and host communities which has been serving its purpose in the state over the years,” he noted.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Commander of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Oluremi Fadairo explained that the purpose of the “WASA” was to celebrate the diverse rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.

Fadairo stressed that the annual event was also for the celebrants socialize and to ease out last year’s stress and prepare for the year 2024 training and operational activities.

“This annual event brings together officers, soldiers and their families along with the members of the barrack community in a relaxed atmosphere of fun and competition to celebrate and mark the end of the year’s activity.

“We gather here today to celebrate and socialize to ease out last year’s stress and prepare for the year 2024 training and operational activities,” he said.

During the event which lasted for three hours, various cultural groups across the country displayed their rich cultural heritage which includes Hawan Doki, display of Nigerian dishes, Magajiya drama display, as well as beautiful performance by the Hausa, Fulani, Igbo, Yoruba, Tiv, Calabar and Yantauri cultural troops among others.

At the end of the ceremony, awards of excellence were presented to 24 soldiers of the 17 Brigade and 6 civilian staff for their outstanding performance within the year under review.