President Bola Tinubu has commended Presidential Guards Brigade for protecting the seat of power, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs.
He gave the commendation at the West African Social Activities (WASA) organised by Guards Brigade to mark the end of the year 2024 in Abuja.
President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, commended the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, for his dedication to securing lives and properties.
He said, “I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the exceptional commitment and also appreciate the efforts of the commander, officers, and men of Guards Brigade at securing the seat of government, the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
“You are always willing to sacrifice an extra hour of hard work of planning and coordinating your presidential security duties. The ceremonial parade and operational endeavours are very much appreciated.
“Your style in managing the security threat in the Federal Capital Territory has ensured the safety of not only the president, but that of other citizens, visitors, and diplomats. I therefore urge you to continue to be extraordinarily compassionate and empathetic in the conduct of your operations, and to always strive for excellence in existing your responsibilities. I say thank you for your dedication and commitment to security and securing lives and properties, and for sacrificing your todays for our tomorrow.”
He extended appreciation to families and spouses of personnel for their unwavering support and understanding that made it possible for them to dedicate time required to perform their various duties.
“I am confident that the Guards Brigade will always rise to the challenges of its duties and keep the flag of the Nigerian Army in flying at all times. The diversity of experience, skill, and talent of officers and soldiers of the Brigade is an asset to the Nigerian Army and indeed the nation.
“I believe that your dedication to duty will encourage and motivate other soldiers elsewhere to emulate your exemplary effort,” he added.
He said the Guards Brigade were doing wonderfully well in their task to protect the seat of power. “We therefore task them to do more though we don’t have any incidents in abuja because they are doing all it takes to secure the Federal capital territory and the seat of power so we appreciate his support and this is the people that we shall support more and we are going to support them and we expect more active from Guards Brigade.”
Earlier, the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General AO Onasanya, said year 2024 WASA was aimed at appreciating Guard Brigade troops and families by creating an avenue for officers and men to interact in a relaxed atmosphere after a very busy year.
This is following operational successes recorded in the Federal Capital Territory and parts of neighbouring Nasarawa and Niger States.
He said troops’ engagement had kept them away from their families who remained supportive, patient and resilient.
“While on these operations, own troops also simultaneously and efficiently coordinated the conduct of all routine and national surveillance targets in the course of the year,” he said.
He added that the event also provided an avenue to appreciate the support of the Nigeria Police Force, the DSS, the Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies and many individuals towards achieving Guards Brigade’s assigned tasks.
“This year’s WASA will equally showcase the social diversity, cultural identity, values, beliefs and rich heritage of the Nigerian people which resonates with the Nigerian Army. The event will provide an opportunity to display the various cultural dances, traditional costumes, language, dress and ethnic groups of our dear nation in a relaxed atmosphere as our esteemed invited guests undertake an inspection tour of units and sub-units times,” he stated.
The event featured raffle draw, tug of war, presentation of awards, beating of the retreat, layering of flags as well as lighting of the bonfire night.
He assured the President that Guards Brigade troops were highly motivated and pledged it unwavering readiness and loyalty to continuously do its best in contributing effectively to the security of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.