Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has praised the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army for its consistent dedication to sustaining peace, safeguarding lives and property, and ensuring public safety across the state.
The governor gave the commendation on Saturday in Ikeja at the Combined 2025 West African Social Activities, WASA, organised by the Headquarters 81 Division, Nigerian Army Engineers, and 9 Brigade.
The event took place at the 9 Brigade Parade Ground, TA Lagbaja Cantonment.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Toyin Akinmade Ayinde, Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the state government’s strong support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, particularly through Operation MESA, aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and security collaboration.
“The Lagos State Government greatly values the productive partnership it enjoys with the Nigerian Army, which has played a vital role in maintaining peace and security in the state and, by extension, fostering economic growth and development,” the governor said.
He described WASA as a long-standing military tradition that dates back to the era of the West African Frontier Force, explaining that it was established to promote unity, camaraderie and esprit de corps among officers, soldiers and their families.
Sanwo-Olu noted that personnel of the 81 Division, like their counterparts across the country, remained actively involved in operations, training and internal security duties.
He added that WASA offered a fitting opportunity for troops to unwind, reflect on the year’s accomplishments and celebrate with their loved ones.
The governor also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his continued support for the military under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said had enhanced the Army’s capacity to carry out its constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Major-General Farouk Mijinyawa, described WASA as a valued tradition that marks the conclusion of the Nigerian Army’s annual activities.
He commended officers and soldiers of the Division for their professionalism, commitment and resilience in executing assigned tasks over the past year.
Mijinyawa disclosed that the Division successfully carried out all training programmes outlined in the Nigerian Army Training Directive 2025 and also hosted four major Nigerian Army Headquarters-level activities during the year.
He further revealed that in December 2025, the Division, acting on directives from Army Headquarters, swiftly deployed troops to support the Republic of Benin in line with the ECOWAS Protocol.
The GOC expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, for his leadership and for approving the resources required to support the Division’s operational and training engagements.
The ceremony drew senior serving and retired military officers, heads of security agencies, captains of industry, traditional rulers, community leaders and other distinguished guests.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to deserving personnel, cultural performances, traditional cuisines and attire, comedy displays, tug-of-war competitions, the ceremonial lowering of the national flag and the lighting of a bonfire, marking the official close of the 2025 WASA celebrations.
Sanwo-Olu hails 81 Division Army for sustaining peace, security in Lagos
Sanwo-Olu hails 81 Division Army for sustaining peace, security in Lagos
