BY AHERHOKE OKIOMA
Nigerian Navy on Tuesday organised a free medical outreach for the people of Agudama Epie, its host community, in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The programme, which was part of the activities to mark the Navy’s 66th anniversary, included free eye tests and distribution of glass, HIV and dental checks, drug distribution, and laboratory investigation, among other medical services. The Trumpet reports that June 1st every year is set aside to celebrate the Nigerian Navy day.
Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command (CNC), Yenagoa, said the gesture was to further prove the Command’s commitment to boosting its relationship with the host community. He said that Vice Adm. A.Z. Gambo, Chief of the Naval Staff, has directed the Central Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, to carry out a free medical outreach to its host community, as part of the celebration.
Represented by Commodore Clement Atebi, Chief Staff Officer Central Naval Command, said the free medical services offered by the Navy range from eye tests and free eyeglasses, dental care, toothpaste and brushes, anti-malaria medication and blood sugar test, among others. He said that the initiative was one of the ways through which the navy was reaching out to the poor and the needy in the society.
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According to him: “The Nigerian navy is using this opportunity to fulfil and carry out its corporate social responsibility to the people, in marking her anniversary celebration. Our objective is to render free medical services to the poor and the needy in the society,” he said.
On his part, Gospel Aputapu, the Paramount Ruler of Agudama Epie, Community, lauded the Nigerian Navy, for the free medical outreach to his subjects. He urged them to also give a quota to the host community, during recruitment exercises for the indigene who are ready to join the Nigerian Navy. The Paramount Ruler, appealed to the Navy, to also join them in the security aspect to safeguard life and property of the Agudama Epie residents.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Emmanuel Otavie, 70, who was screened and given free eyeglasses, lauded the Navy for the medical outreach. Also, Mrs Eunice Senivie, 60, who was tested and given drugs for malaria, thanked the navy for coming to their aid. She called on other corporate organisations and security agencies to emulate the gesture and also reach out to members of the society, especially the poor and the needy.
