The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has commended the leadership and personnel of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army for their proactive security posture and sustained efforts in safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu in a press statement revealed that the Governor Okpebholo gave the commendation while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA), held on Saturday, 17 January 2026, at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ekehuan, Benin City.
He noted that the Brigade’s various operations have contributed significantly to the relative peace and security currently enjoyed in Edo State, particularly during the Yuletide period, when the state recorded comparatively low levels of violence and criminality.
According to the Governor, operational successes recorded against internet fraudsters, kidnappers, illegal oil bunkerers and other economic saboteurs underscore the effectiveness of the Brigade’s proactive approach, working in synergy with other security agencies.
The Governor also expressed delight at the atmosphere of camaraderie at the event, describing WASA as an opportunity for officers, soldiers, their families and friends to unwind, interact and give thanks to God for the successful completion of training activities in the past year, while ushering in a new one.
He commended the Commander, 4 Brigade, for organising what he described as a beautiful display of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, adding that Edo State prides itself as a bastion of African culture, with WASA resonating strongly with the state’s cultural identity.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ahmed Balogun, described WASA as a long-standing military tradition designed to foster bonding among officers, soldiers, their families and host communities at the end of a training year.
He stated that the Brigade successfully achieved its 2025 training objectives, aimed at enhancing professionalism and sustaining operational excellence.
According to him, these achievements were made possible by the dedication and determination of officers and soldiers of the Brigade, with the unwavering support and strategic guidance of the leadership of the Nigerian Army.
In a vote of thanks, the Chief of Staff, 4 Brigade, and Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Colonel U.S. Agbo, expressed appreciation to the Governor for honouring the Brigade with his presence, noting that it added prestige to the event.
He also thanked distinguished guests, sister services, commanders and heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, as well as serving and retired senior officers for their support.
The 2025 WASA celebration was colourful and vibrant, featuring a news-casting presentation, cultural dance performances from Hausa, Igbo, Calabar, Tiv, Idoma, Yoruba and Edo ethnic groups, as well as activities such as strip-and-assemble rifle competitions for male and female soldiers, tug-of-war contests, award presentations, the beating of the retreat and the lighting of a ceremonial bonfire.
