ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
As part of the activities to mark the 66th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, the security outfit has offered free medical services to its host community in Agudama-Epie in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The outreach services included free eye tests, distribution of eye glasses, HIV tests, dental checks, drugs distribution, laboratory investigation, among other services.
The Nigerian Navy sets aside June 1st every year to celebrate its anniversary.
Speaking about the programme on Tuesday, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command (CNC), Yenagoa, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, said the gesture was to further prove the command’s commitment toward boosting its relationship with the host community.
He said that the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A.Z. Gambo, had directed the CNC of the Nigerian Navy to carry out a free medical outreach to its host community as part of the celebration.
Represented by Chief Staff Officer, Commondore Clement Atebi, the FOC said the free medical services offered by the Navy ranged from eye tests to free eye glasses, dental care with tooth paste and brushes, anti-malaria medications and blood sugar tests, 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 society.
He stated: “The Nigerian Navy is using this opportunity to fulfill 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.”
Also speaking during the outreach, the Paramount Ruler of Agudama-Epie kingdom, King Gospel Aputapu, lauded the Nigerian Navy for the free medical services to his people.
He urged them to also give some quota to the host community during recruitment exercise for the indegenes who were ready to join the Nigerian Navy.
The paramount ruler appealed to the Navy to also assist them in the areas of security to enable them to safeguard lives and property of the residents.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Emmanuel Otavie, 70, who was screened and given free eyeglasses, lauded the Navy for the gesture.
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.