The Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Adegbite, has urged officers and men of the school to draw continuous inspiration from the gallantry of troops deployed in various theatres of operations across the country.
Adegbite made the call on Friday in Benin City at the 2025 West African Social Activities (WASA) of NASST, stressing that the sacrifices of serving personnel and fallen heroes must never be forgotten.
“As we celebrate, I urge us not to forget our officers and soldiers who are actively involved in various theatres of operations,” he said.
“We collectively want to use this opportunity to celebrate them and, most importantly, appreciate their sacrifices to the nation.
“Their continuous acts of gallantry will continue to be our source of inspiration,” he said.
The commandant also called for prayers for soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
“We also pray for the repose of the souls of our fallen heroes who paid the supreme price for peace and unity in Nigeria.
“May their souls rest in peace, and may God give their families the fortitude to bear the loss,” he added.
Adegbite appealed to officers and soldiers of the school to brace up for the challenges ahead, urging them to ensure the full implementation of 2026 training activities.
While congratulating the personnel on a successful 2025, he encouraged them to consolidate on the gains recorded and sustain the high level of professionalism displayed throughout the year.
“I urge you to consolidate on the gains in the days and months ahead by creating an enabling environment for better performance in the tasks that lie ahead,” he said.
The commandant explained that WASA, an age-long tradition dating back to the colonial era, provides a unique platform for officers and soldiers to unwind from routine regimental life at the end of the year.
According to him, the celebration also promotes bonding among officers, soldiers, their families, friends and well-wishers, while showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.
“We expect to see an array of our rich cultural heritage on display today. This WASA presents yet another opportunity for us to appreciate our cultural diversity, which is the bedrock of our unity.
“It is a testimony that the barracks remains a melting pot of different cultures and social backgrounds,” Adegbite said.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Barr. Jude Nosagie, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Precious Palm Royal Hotel, Benin City, commended the NASST personnel for their professionalism and discipline.
Nosagie announced the donation of university scholarships for one male and one female child of officers of the school, to study engineering and law.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), NASST Chapter, Mrs. Adegbite, presented food items to about 25 widows of late officers of the school.
She said the gesture was aimed at appreciating the families of fallen heroes and expressing solidarity with them.
“On behalf of NAOWA, NASST Chapter, we present our token of appreciation to the wives and families of our fallen heroes.
“The distribution of these palliatives today is a sincere expression of our solidarity. It reflects that we support you not only in words but through tangible action,” she said.
She assured the widows that they were not forgotten by the nation.
“Beyond this material support, what matters most is the assurance that you are seen, valued and cared for by the nation, and that your loved ones served so faithfully,” she added.