The 15 Field Engineer Regiment of Nigerian Army, Topo, Badagry, has celebrated West African Social Activities (WASA) to mark the end of 2019 operational year.

The event showcased different cultural activities of different tribes in Nigeria.

Friends and host communities were treated to traditional Egun, Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo dance steps with colorful costumes and props.

The wives of the soldiers also entertained guests with tug of war contests.

The commanding officer of the army unit, Lt. Col Eromosele Lawani, said the occasion was to celebrate end of the 2019 operations with soldier’s families, host communities and friends.

“People see army as antisocial and rigid set of people, but soldiers have families, they have emotions and this is a way of showing Nigerians that we can also have fun too.

“WASA is a long time old tradition passed down from the British, exhibiting our cultures.

“The social activities are to showcase the culture of soldiers and relate with host communities. This used to bring the families of soldiers together and also interact with civil society and host communities.

“We have all our traditional chiefs here and some friends from different communities in Badagry coming into the barracks to celebrate with us,” he said.

The commanding officer described the relationship between soldiers and host communities as very cordial.

“Many residents of Badagry know that Topo Barracks is community friendly, our gate is open for them, they come regularly to our hospital to receive medical care,”he said.(NAN)