The Nigerian Armed Forces on Wednesday organised a free medical outreach in Calabar, Cross River State, as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, offering relief to widows of fallen soldiers and other residents.
The outreach, which benefited more than 80 people, was held at the Millennium Park, Calabar, the venue of the annual military parade and the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. Beneficiaries included widows of fallen servicemen and members of the public who turned up for medical screening and treatment.
Dressed in black attire in keeping with the solemnity of the occasion, the widows and other beneficiaries were screened for various health conditions and provided with free medications. Those diagnosed with conditions requiring further medical attention were referred to military health facilities for specialised care.
Many of the widows expressed gratitude to the military authorities for introducing the medical outreach, describing it as a timely and compassionate intervention that eased the burden of medical expenses and reduced the stress of accessing hospital services.
A medical officer with the Nigerian Navy Medical Unit, Sub-Lieutenant Akpan, said the outreach covered screening for tuberculosis, malaria, high blood pressure, and eye-related conditions, all provided at no cost to the beneficiaries. He added that patients with serious health concerns were promptly referred to military medical facilities for further evaluation and treatment.
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Meanwhile, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of members of the Nigerian Legion and serving military personnel. The governor gave the assurance during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Calabar Cenotaph in honour of fallen heroes.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, Governor Otu said his government would continue to extend welfare support not only to veterans but also to those still serving in the armed forces, in recognition of their sacrifices for the nation.
Also present at the cenotaph were the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Akon Ikpeme, service commanders in the state, the Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers’ Council, religious leaders, top government officials, and members of the Nigerian Legion.
