Abogo Largema Military Cantonment Hosts WASA 2025: A Celebration of Culture, Unity, and Excellence
On January 31, 2026, the Abogo Largema Military Cantonment came alive as the 231 Battalion and 331 Artillery Regiment hosted the annual West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025. The event, attended by distinguished guests including DVC Military Col. AY Bello, marked the formal conclusion of the 2025 training year.WASA is a storied military tradition dating back to the West African Frontier Force (WAFF). Beyond a mere social gathering, the event serves as a vital platform for officers, soldiers, and their families to bond in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Commanding Officer, 231 Battalion Lt Col DA Abang in his opening remarks, expressed profound gratitude to the Cantonment for hosting the festivities, emphasizing that the event honors the hard work and resilience of the personnel.The celebration highlighted Nigeria’s cultural exhibition, a strength in diversity. Soldiers and their families traded uniforms for traditional attire, representing a wide array of ethnic groups showcasing a vibrant tapestry of heritage through cultural displays from the Hausa, Bura Babur, Nupe, Tiv, Igala, Sayewa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Tengale tribes. These performances underscored the “bond of unity” that defines both the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.
A key highlight of the event was the awards and recognition segment, where soldiers who excelled in various areas during the training year were honored. The DVC military was honored with an award of excellence. These awards reflect the army’s commitment to acknowledging merit, hard work and excellence.
The Special Guest of Honor (SGH), Brig. Gen. BMG Martins commended the leadership of the 231 Battalion and 331 Artillery Regiment for their dedication. He noted that WASA is essential for fostering mutual understanding between the military and its host communities. He traced the roots of WASA back to the historic West African Frontier Force. “It is more than a festival,” he remarked. “It is an avenue for fostering mutual understanding between the Army and our host community.” He lauded the troops for their perseverance and hard work throughout the previous year.
In a somber moment of reflection, the SGH offered his condolences to the people of Biu following the recent losses in Sabon-Gari. He described the tragedy as a “collective loss” felt deeply by the Armed Forces and the entire Federation. The Special Guest of Honor extended his sympathies to the residents of Biu over the lives lost in Sabon-Gari, reaffirming that the military stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the civilians they are sworn to protect.