The Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH (NNS SOROH), under the Central Naval Command, has offered free medical outreach to the Zarama community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Speaking during the commencement ceremony on Monday, the Commander of NNS SOROH, Commodore Omobamidele Akinbami, said the exercise was aimed at strengthening cooperation with the host community.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that residents received free medical checkups, consultations, health education, insecticide-treated nets, medications and other services.
Represented by Capt. Jerry Ayim-Odu, Executive Officer of NNS SOROH, the Commander said the outreach was designed to provide quality healthcare to residents and promote a healthier, more resilient population.
He emphasised the importance of good health and reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to extending its medical services beyond naval personnel to surrounding communities.
Akinbami noted that the medical outreach formed part of the Navy’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts.
He urged Zarama residents to take advantage of the free services, stressing that prioritising their health would contribute to a more prosperous and vibrant community.
“The Nigerian Navy Ship is here to conduct a free medical outreach as part of our yearly activities.
“This programme is designed to offer free medical services, deepen medical awareness and strengthen civil-military relations between the Navy and the host community.
“We encourage everyone in this community to participate so we can protect our future and that of our children.
“Beyond providing maritime security, the Navy also deploys non-kinetic measures like this outreach to discourage involvement in maritime crime and show that the Federal Government and the Navy care about your wellbeing,” he said.
A beneficiary, Mrs Beauty Ebiba, commended the Nigerian Navy for bringing the outreach to her community and appealed for similar initiatives in other areas.
Chief Moses Etekpe also expressed appreciation to NNS SOROH for remembering the community, saying the free medical services had uplifted residents and their families.
He urged community members to come out en masse to check their health status and seek timely medical care. (NAN)