By Augustine Ehikioya
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended the leadership of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army for its proactive posture in the protection of lives and property across the State.
He gave the commendation as a Special Guest of Honour, during the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA), held on Saturday, 17 January, 2026, at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ekehuan, Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo further disclosed that the various operations conducted by the Brigade have contributed immensely to the relative security currently being enjoyed in the State. He added that Edo recorded comparatively low levels of violence and criminality during the Yuletide period, owing to the proactive posture of the Brigade working in synergy with other security agencies. According to him, the plethora of operational successes recorded against internet fraudsters, kidnappers, illegal oil bunkerers and other economic saboteurs attests to this assertion.
The Governor, according to a statement by Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), expressed delight at seeing officers, soldiers, their families and friends come together in a joyous and relaxed atmosphere to interact and give thanks to God for the successful completion of training activities in the past year, while heralding the beginning of a new one.
He also thanked the Commander, 4 Brigade, for organising what he described as a beautiful display of Nigeria’s rich culture, food and drinks.
He noted that Edo State prides itself as a bastion of African culture, adding that the WASA celebration resonates strongly with the State’s cultural identity.
Earlier, the Commander, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, while welcoming the Governor of Edo State, who was ably represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Engr. Emmanuel Okoebor, stated that WASA is a long-standing military tradition aimed at creating a conducive atmosphere for officers, soldiers and their families to relax and socialise with their host community at the end of a training year. He noted that the Brigade successfully achieved its 2025 training objectives, targeted at improving professionalism and sustaining operational excellence.
According to him, this was made possible by the zeal and determination of the officers and soldiers of the Brigade, with the unwavering support and strategic guidance of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Major General CR Nnebeife.
In a vote of thanks, the Chief of Staff, 4 Brigade, and Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Colonel US Agbo, thanked the Special Guest of Honour for taking time out of his busy schedule to celebrate the 2025 WASA with the Brigade.
“Your presence has brought great honour to our event, and we are truly grateful for your endless support and inspiration,” he said.
He also appreciated all distinguished guests, sister services, commanders and heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, as well as senior officers, both serving and retired, for gracing the occasion.
The 2025 WASA celebration was colourful, featuring a news-casting presentation, as well as cultural dance troupes from Hausa, Igbo, Calabar, Tiv, Idoma, Yoruba and Edo ethnic groups. Other activities at the event included strip-and-assemble rifle competitions for male and female soldiers, tug-of-war contests, presentation of awards to deserving soldiers, the beating of the retreat and the lightening of a bonfire.
