WASA: A Diverse Barrack Community Culture – Gen Allu

…As Depot NA Hosts 2025 edition

By Sani Aliyu, Zaria

The Commandant, Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre, Major-General DG Allu says WASA is a forum for informal and social interaction and an avenue for Barrack communities to showcase their rich and diverse culture.

Gen. Allu made the assertion as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) Organised by the Chindit Cantonment, at Depot Nigerian Army Parade Ground at the weekend.

He said that he was convinced that the gathering has been worthwhile as WASA, which, amongst other reasons, is to promote cultural harmony, team spirit and tolerance among Military personnel, has been achieved.

He urged all officers and men to remain proactive in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Commandant also reminded them of the need to maintain the core values of the Nigerian Army which includes loyalty, self service, courage, discipline, integrity and respect for others at all times.

As the training year commences, he charged them to remain focused and highly resilient to all forms of distraction that are capable of affecting their ability to discharge their duties professionally in line with global best practices.

The Special Guest of Honour expressed his delight that the Depot NA Nigerian Military School and Nigerian Army School of Physical Training have sustained the age-long Military tradition of holding WASA annually after a successful training year.

According to him, the brilliant display by the various cultural troops that performed, is very encouraging, which shows that there are no broken links in our cultural background.

Earlier in his welcome address the Commandant, Depot, Nigerian Army, Major-General Ahmadu Bello Mohammed said WASA has transformed over the years and now entails the analysis and review of the concluded year as well as making projections for the new calendar year.

He enumerated some of the achievements of Depot Nigerian Army and subsequently Nigerian Military School as well as Nigerian Army School of Physical Training in 2025.

General Mohammed said, Depot Nigerian Army training activities were conducted based on Depot Nigerian Army Training Directive 2025 which was derived from the Nigerian Army Forecast of Events 2025 and the Nigerian Army Training Policy 2025.

According to him, Depot NA has trained over 8,000 soldiers in the past one year whom have been posted to various Corps, Formations and units of the Nigerian Army and are currently contributing to the defence and security of our great nation Nigeria.

The Commandant also said that on 13th January, 2026, Depot NA officially commenced another round of training for 90 Regular Recruits Intake after a successful screening/validation exercise which was recently concluded.

Similarly, the Nigerian Military School and Nigerian Army School of Physical Training have seamlessly trained tens and hundreds of personnel in their various courses and terms for year 2025.

“We are immensely grateful to the COAS for providing the enabling environment and resources that contributed to the successes so far,” he said.

In 2026, these institutions would redouble their efforts in line with the Philosophy of the COAS, Lt-Gen W. Shaibu, which is “To Advance the Transformation of the Nigerian Army into a Professional, Adaptable Combat Ready and Resilient Force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment. To this end, we shall also be guided by the Nigerian Army Training Directive and Policy 2026 as well as the Nigerian Army Forecast of Events 2026.

“Our goals for the year are hinged on developing our expertise and enhancing the corporate image of these great institutions.

“As we celebrate, let us remember the importance of our cultural heritage and the values that make us strong.

“Let us honour the sacrifices of our fallen heroes who have defended our nation’s unity and sovereignty”.