Maj Gen Babalola Commends DADP, DCS And DOIA for Successful Conduct of Year 2025 Combined WASA
Chiemelie Ezeobi
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has applauded the Directorate of Automated Data Processing (DADP), Directorate of Chaplain Services Roman Catholic (DCS(RC)), and the Directorate of Islamic Affairs (DOIA) for the successful conduct of the combined 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) held at Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island, Lagos on February 14, 2026.
Represented by the Commander 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General AI Getso, the GOC described WASA as an annual event that provides officers, soldiers, and their families the opportunity to celebrate together while marking the end of the 2025 training circle.
He noted that the occasion serves as a platform for meaningful engagement, cultural exchange, and camaraderie among personnel, while commending the organisers for successfully showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Major General Babalola also commended the Directorates for successfully completing their scheduled activities for the past year and urged them to remain committed in addressing the challenges of the new training cycle.
He applauded the gallant officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army currently engaged in counter-terrorism operations within the Division’s Area of Responsibility and other operations across the country and beyond, encouraging them to remain professional and steadfast in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
The GOC reassured personnel of his commitment to troops’ welfare and that of their families in line with one of the pillars of the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy of Robust Administration.
He called on all personnel to continue praying for the repose of the souls of fallen heroes and the well-being of their families, while appreciating troops for their dedication in 2025 and urging them to achieve greater success in 2026.
Earlier, the Director Automated Data Processing (DADP), Brigadier General VE Cletus, explained that the combined WASA was organised to celebrate the successful completion of the Directorates’ training and operational activities for the year 2025.
He added that the training cycle enhanced personnel capacity to effectively carry out their responsibilities across the Directorates.
He noted that the training had boosted troops’ confidence in delivering efficient services and support within the Nigerian Army’s dynamic and complex operational environment.
He expressed satisfaction that reports from the field indicated personnel demonstrated commendable initiative, innovation, and professionalism throughout the 2025 training year.
Brigadier General Cletus highlighted several welfare-oriented projects executed by the Directorates, appreciating the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM, for his timely interventions and approval of impactful initiatives.
The event was attended by senior officers, invited guests, officers, soldiers, as well as their families and friends.
Highlights included the presentation of souvenirs, awards to outstanding soldiers, displays of Nigerian cultural cuisines and traditional attires, cultural performances, comedy acts, tug-of-war competition, the Beating of the Retreat, and the lighting of the bonfire to draw the curtains on the celebration.
