Narquara Barracks, 19 Battalion Okitipupa holds Masa.

– Steve Ovirih.

The age long ocio-cultural celebration in the army barracks which holds at the beginning of the year has been celebrated this year at the 19 Battalion, Okitipupa.

The celebration tagged ‘Masa’, a civil – military affair in the army barracks dates back to the second world war in those heady days of West African Frontier Force (WAFF). The celebration over time has evolved into an annual event among the tradition of Nigerian Army motivated to promote team spirit, the sensational “espirit de corp” culture” and confidence within and outside the barracks community.

As a medium of promoting warm civil- military relationship, the Masa celebration has also evolved into a forum for informal social interaction and an avenue to display the diverse and rich cultural heritage of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

At the Masa event this year, the Local Government Chairman , Okitipupa Local Government Council, Om’ba Abayomi Adesanya congratulated officers and men of the Nigerian Army, noting that the entire nation is grateful for their sacrifice and labor of love towards ensuring the unity and cohesion of the Nigerian state. He noted that part of the significance of the celebration called Masa is to tell the world that the army also finds time to relax and jaw jaw and to appreciate through cultural display the noble idea of unity in diversity, the Nigerian way.

At the event, the display of the diverse culture of Nigeria in a cultural parade was a major highlight of the celebration and this fantastic parade sizzled up the atmosphere. Among the culture showcased was the rich heritage of the Yoruba people of the southwest Nigeria, the kanuri culture parade, the Hausa cultural heritage, the Igbo culture among others.

The roll call of dignitaries at the event were the Olugbo of Ugbo Land, His Imperial Majesty, Oba EnitiOlorunda Akinruntan, the Okoro Ajiga 1 Oba Makin Osan gangan; the Jegun Of Idepe Okitipupa, His Royal Highness, Oba Obatuga Adetoye, and the Rebuja Of Osooro, His Royal Highness, Oba Bajowa.

Others were the royal fathers of Ode Aye, the Ahaba of Ajagba and the Regent Ayeka of kingdom , Her Royal Highness Oluyemi Bajowa.

Also at the event, special recognition awards were presented to the Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government , Om’oba Adesanya who represented the Executive Governor of Ondo state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom, the Jegun of Idepe and the Regent of Ayeka kingdom, Oluyemi Bajowa.