Sector 4 OPHK/23 Brigade Boosts Morale of Cantonment Children with Festive Party
By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola
The Acting Commander, Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai and Commander, 23 Brigade, Brigadier General Amechi Agwu, has hosted a Christmas and New Year party for children of the Gibson Jalo Military Cantonment, Yola, as part of efforts to boost their morale and foster a sense of belonging.
The event, which attracted a large turnout of children from the cantonment, was held on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the cantonment’s parade ground.
Speaking at the occasion, Brigadier General Agwu said the celebration was organized to uplift the spirits of the children, particularly those whose parents were absent due to operational commitments. He explained that the initiative was in line with similar welfare activities recently organized by the Chief of Army Staff for troops deployed in forward locations.
He urged the children to remain disciplined and to serve as good ambassadors of the cantonment. The commander also acknowledged the continued support of the Chief of Army Staff to the formation, assuring that the sector would sustain its operational tempo to defeat terrorists and other criminal elements within its area of responsibility, with the aim of restoring normalcy.
Highlights of the celebration included the provision of meals and drinks, games, dancing competitions, and entertainment by costumed characters such as Father Christmas and a gorilla mascot. The children also enjoyed activities on a bouncing castle and received gift items.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of a book titled Distractions, written by Caleb Tijani, one of the children of serving soldiers in the cantonment.
The occasion was attended by the Acting Commander Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai/Commander 23 Brigade, the Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) 23 Brigade Chapter, the Chief of Staff Headquarters Sector 4 OPHK/23 Brigade, other staff officers, parents, and well-wishers of the cantonment.
The event underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of soldiers’ families and community bonding within military formations.
