Representative of Governor Yusuf, AVM Ibrahim Umar. (rtd) speaking to journalists

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Kano state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has affirmed that enhanced synergy among security agencies remains indispensable in winning the ongoing fight against insecurity across the country.

He spoke at the weekend, during the 3 Brigade, Nigeria Army, West African Social Activities (WASA), held at Bukavo Barracks, Kano.

Governor Yusuf spoke through AVM Ibrahim Umar (rtd), Director-General, Special Services Directorate, Government House, Kano, who represented him at the event.

He expressed delight that Kano has been ranked top as one of the safest states in the country, attributing the feat to the state government’s commitment to providing needed support and logistics to all security agencies in the state.

He said:  “I  am highly impressed with the current security situation in the state, and I charge you to work even harder towards ensuring sustained internal security in our dear state. May I use this opportunity to commend 3 Brigade’s unalloyed support, leadership, dedication, service and resilience which have been instrumental in keeping Kano State safe and secure. I am proud to note that Kano is one of the safest if not the safest state in the Country currently.

“Accordingly, the contributions of this great and historic Brigade towards the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in Kano State cannot be taken for granted.

“On our part as a responsible and responsive government, we will continue to support you with the needed logistics and resources to carry out your duties effectively. Our administration has been doing a lot to ensure the welfare and well-being of soldiers and other security agencies in the state. Our doors are always open for you to table your requests. I assure you that we will keep doing our best to give you adequate support at all times.”

Governor Yusuf recalled:   ” The WASA activities started in January 1946 after the Second World War by the British who honoured officers that participated in the war. It was later incorporated into the year-to-year activities of the Nigerian Army.

“The activity is an age-long military tradition which dates back to the era of the West African Frontier Force. The WASA is an age-long military tradition inherited from generations far back to the era of the West African Frontier Force. From there, the tradition of organising social activity by units and formations to celebrate feats and successes recorded in military formations started.

” It gives me a great delight and pleasure to be in your midst and it is indeed heartwarming to felicitate with you on this august occasion of the WEST AFRICAN SOCIAL ACTIVITY (WASA). The epoch occasion allows the barracks and friendly communities to embrace and appreciate the diverse cultural prowess inherent in our dear country Nigeria. As such the activity further serves to create bond and cohesiveness between the diverse communities in the barracks as well as the civil populace.

” Today’s occasion has proven that despite your diversity, you all have not broken links with your cultural backgrounds. I am therefore convinced that this gathering has been worthwhile. As such the aim of the WASA, which is to promote cultural harmony, cohesiveness and love amongst us all has been duly achieved.”

The Governor,  however, commended the soldiers of the 3 Brigade,  Nigerian Army for their services to Kano state and the nation.

“I have witnessed with delight the demonstration and celebration of the diverse rich cultural heritage of our great country. Indeed, this event brings together Officers, Soldiers, and their families in a relaxed atmosphere to celebrate and mark the end of the year’s activities. I commend the Brigade Commander and his team for excellent work. I seize this opportunity to charge you to aim at greatness and excellence in discharging your duties.

” I am confident that the management team and soldiers of 3 Brigade will rise to the challenges of their duties and keep the flag flying at all times.  The Brigade continues to provide effective leadership for the Joint Task Force that is strategically deployed across critical areas of the state to deter and curb crime.

“The good people of Kano State have not forgotten the active roles played by the Brigade’s troops in providing the needed safe environment for the law-abiding citizens during the August 2024 protest. In all aspects, the Brigade’s support to keeping maintaining a conducive environment remains highly commendable.

“The diversity of experiences, skills and talents of officers and soldiers of the 3 Brigade is an asset to the Nigerian Army and the nation.  I believe that your dedication to duty will encourage and motivate other soldiers elsewhere to emulate your exemplary efforts. I also thank you all not just for your service to Kano state and our great country, but for reminding us why Nigeria will always be a great nation.

“This year’s WASA is truly unique as it has brought people from various walks of life in Kano State together. This occasion has also proved the commendable effort put in place by this Brigade in its efforts to maintain the existing synergy with other security agencies. This collaboration with neighbouring communities and other security agencies goes a long way to create a peaceful environment for all in the state.

“Therefore, on behalf of the good people of Kano State, I want to express my profound gratitude to God for giving us the grace to witness yet another WASA and by extension the effort you all have put in to ensure the safety of lives and property in our dear state.

“To our falling heroes, who have paid the supreme price in the course of duty, I pray for the repose of their gentle souls. To the loved ones left behind, I pray that the Almighty God continues to give them the fortitude to bear the loss. We will continue to support you all in every way we can.

” Finally, I want to use this opportunity to sincerely thank the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede (Nigerian Army Medal), the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, the Commander 3 Brigade, all officers, soldiers and their families for according to me this great honour to preside over this occasion.

“I also thank you all for allowing the people of Kano to be part of your iconic occasion. As we look forward to the next one, I sincerely commended those who took part in all the activities, they were very insightful and entertaining. I wish you joy and more success as you execute your activities in this year 2025,” he stated.

(Representative of Governor Yusuf, AVM Ibrahim Umar. (Rtd) speaking to journalists)