In a commendable celebration of excellence and dedication, the Nigerian Army Military Hospital in Benin recognized 10 exceptional staff members for their distinguished performance in 2024. The awards were presented during the hospital’s annual West Africa Social Activities (WASA) event on Saturday.
The honorees included five soldiers and five civilian staff members:
Soldier Category:
- Staff Sgt. Ibrahim Suleiman
- Sgt. Baba Sheshi
- Lance Cpl. Ifeoma Ede
- Pte. Mika’il Atanda
- Pte. Joseph Precious
Civilian Category:
- Yesufu Otono
- David Juliet
- Christabel Ahamisi
- Deborah Ibizugbe
- Rosemary Omoye
Celebrating Dedication and Excellence
Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Oduyebo, commander of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, applauded the awardees for their outstanding dedication to duty, which earned them this prestigious recognition. He reminded them of the adage, “To whom much is given, much is expected,” urging all staff to continue their exemplary contributions to the success of the military hospital and the Nigerian Army.
“This event has afforded officers, soldiers, their families, and civilian staff the opportunity to relax, unwind, and connect outside their routine regimental lives,” Brig.-Gen. Oduyebo said. He also commended the hospital for its critical role in supporting military operations in Edo State, which contributed significantly to the successes achieved in curbing insecurity in 2024.
The Significance of WASA
Brig.-Gen. Paulina Aburime, the director of the hospital, explained that WASA is a long-standing tradition in the Nigerian military, aimed at preserving cultural values and fostering camaraderie among personnel, their families, and well-wishers.
“The event seeks to promote unity, better understanding, and the spirit of one large family, ensuring peace and stability in the country,” she said. She encouraged everyone at the event to embrace the spirit of togetherness and use it to build bridges for a brighter future.
Awardees Share Their Joy
Staff Sgt. Ibrahim Suleiman, who was honored as the best-performing soldier, expressed gratitude for the recognition. “If you are doing something and you are appreciated, it motivates you to put in more effort,” he said. He added that being chosen as the best among many soldiers was a significant honor and thanked the army for acknowledging his efforts.
A Night of Unity and Entertainment
The event featured exciting activities, including a vibrant cultural troupe display and a lively tug-of-war competition between officers’ wives and female corps members. The festivities highlighted the spirit of unity and the joy of unwinding together as one community.
The WASA event not only celebrated individual achievements but also reinforced the shared mission of fostering peace, stability, and collaboration among military and civilian personnel.