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The governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has praised the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade for its active role in safeguarding people and assets throughout the state.

The recognition was included in a statement posted on X, authored by Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 4th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, on Sunday.

As per the statement, the governor made the comments while acting as Special Guest of Honour at the 2025 West African Social Activities, which took place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Nigerian Army Cantonment in Ekehuan, Benin City.

The Governor, Okpebholo, stated that the different operations conducted by the Brigade have “greatly enhanced the current level of security in the state.”

He mentioned that Edo experienced “relatively low rates of violence and crime during the Christmas season,” which he credited to the Brigade’s active approach in collaboration with other security organizations.

He stated, “The numerous operational achievements achieved against internet fraudsters, kidnappers, illegal oil smugglers, and other economic disruptors supports this claim.”

The governor also showed happiness upon witnessing officers, soldiers, their families, and friends come together in a casual setting to connect and offer gratitude to God for the successful conclusion of training initiatives from the previous year and the start of a new one.

He expressed gratitude to the Commander of the 4th Brigade for arranging what he called “a magnificent showcase of Nigeria’s diverse culture, cuisine, and beverages.”

He mentioned that Edo State takes pride in being a stronghold of African culture, stating that the WASA festival “aligns closely with the state’s cultural identity.”

Previously, the Commander of the 4th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, upon greeting the governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, stated that WASA is a well-established military tradition.

He mentioned that the event is designed to “establish a welcoming environment for officers, soldiers, and their families to unwind and interact with their host community at the conclusion of a training year.”

Balogun mentioned that the Brigade effectively met its 2025 training goals, which aimed at enhancing expertise and maintaining high standards of performance.

He stated that the accomplishment was made possible by “the enthusiasm and resolve of the officers and soldiers in the Brigade,” with the backing and tactical direction provided by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, and the General Officer Commanding of the 2 Division, Major General C. R. Nnebeife.

During a vote of appreciation, the Chief of Staff from the 4th Brigade and the head of the Central Organising Committee, Colonel U. S. Agbo, expressed gratitude to the Special Guest of Honour for being present at the function.

“Your arrival has added significant prestige to our gathering, and we are genuinely thankful for your continuous support and motivation,” he stated.

He also expressed gratitude to notable guests, sister services, commanders and leaders of security agencies, traditional rulers, along with senior officers, both currently serving and retired, for attending the event.

The statement mentioned that the 2025 WASA event included a news broadcasting segment, cultural dance groups from the Hausa, Igbo, Calabar, Tiv, Idoma, Yoruba, and Edo ethnic communities, along with activities like rifle disassembly and assembly contests, tug-of-war events, award ceremonies, the retreat ceremony, and the lighting of a bonfire.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).