The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta has provided free medical services to residents of Burutu Community in Burutu local government area of Delta State.
The commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abba Muhsin led naval personnel to conduct the exercise yesterday in Burutu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 1,500 residents of the community benefited from the free medical outreach.
Addressing newsmen in the coastal community, Muhsin said the essence of the exercise was to extend the goodwill of the Nigerian Navy to Burutu residents.
“This exercise is a humanitarian programme to engage with the Nigeria citizens in line with the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) strategic directives. We have come to Burutu to participate in medical rhapsody.”
The essence is to key into the health conditions of the residents. We are providing medications and consultancy to various ailments,” he said.
Speaking on the trust the medical rhapsody had built overtime with the civilians, Muhsin declared that globally, soldiers, beyond fighting, also participate in humanitarian services and peace keeping.
According to him, the humanitarian aspect goes a long way in terms of improving the relationship between the military personnel and the communities.
“We want communities to know that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is not their enemies. We are here to serve them,” he said.
Also speaking, the chairman of Burutu local government area, Dr Julius Takeme, commended the Nigerian Navy for the gesture.
“I have never seen this type of gesture embarked upon by the Navy in my local government. Ordinarily, people think the military only protect the territorial integrity of the nation. Today, the Navy has identified with the people of Burutu Community. I thanked them. We are partners and more of this will endeare them to the society,” he said.
The chairman of Burutu community, Mr Patrick Binebai expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Navy and call for a yearly conduct of the exercise in the community.
NAN reports that some of the free medical services included: blood sugar check, blood pressure, eye check, health education, provision of recommended eye glasses, among others. (NAN)
