The Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended the leadership of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, for its proactive efforts in safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Governor Okpebholo gave the commendation while serving as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA), held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ekehuan, Benin City.
The Governor noted that the various operations conducted by the Brigade have contributed significantly to the relative peace and security currently enjoyed in Edo State.
He disclosed that the state recorded comparatively low levels of violence and criminality during the Yuletide period, attributing this to the Brigade’s proactive posture and effective collaboration with other security agencies.
According to him, the numerous operational successes recorded against internet fraudsters, kidnappers, illegal oil bunkerers and other economic saboteurs further underscore the Brigade’s commitment to maintaining security in the state.
Governor Okpebholo expressed delight at seeing officers, soldiers, their families and friends gathered in a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere to interact and give thanks to God for the successful completion of the 2025 training year, while ushering in a new one.
He also commended the Commander, 4 Brigade, for organising what he described as a beautiful showcase of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through food, music and traditional displays.
He noted that Edo State prides itself as a bastion of African culture, adding that the WASA celebration strongly resonates with the cultural identity of the state.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, while welcoming the Executive Governor—who was ably represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Engr. Emmanuel Okoebor—described WASA as a long-standing military tradition designed to provide officers, soldiers and their families with an opportunity to relax and socialise with their host community at the end of a training year.
He stated that the Brigade successfully achieved its 2025 training objectives, which were 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 Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, and the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife.
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 Special Guest of Honour for honouring the invitation despite his busy schedule.
“Your presence has brought great honour to this event, and we are truly grateful for your continued support and inspiration,” he said. He also thanked 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 and vibrant, featuring a mock news presentation, cultural dance troupes from Hausa, Igbo, Calabar, Tiv, Idoma, Yoruba and Edo ethnic groups, as well as 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 lighting of a bonfire.