The 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto, in continuation of activities to mark this year’s Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, on Monday offered free medical service to at least 5,000 persons in Gidan Gabas, Dange/Shuni local government of Sokoto State.
Major General Ibikunke Ajose, the general officer commanding the 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, said the initiative furthers the Nigerian Army’s corporate social responsibilities in bringing succour to the people.
General Ajose who was represented by the commander of 8 Division, 78 Brigade Supply and Transport, Brig. General Ogbonnaya Igwe said, “The gesture is part of the tradition of the Nigerian Army and not just for the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
“The medical team came with adequate drugs so that those who turned up for the exercise would be attended to. There is enough room to accommodate them.
“We decided to offer this service in rural areas where people needed it most,” he stated.
For his part, Brig. General Austin Okafor, commandant of 8 Division Medical Hospital and Services, said the medical services covered testing and treatment of malaria and hypertension, visual and eye treatment, provision of eyeglasses, dental services, diabetes screening, and pediatric services.
Brig. General Okafor noted that any major medical case that could not be handled would be referred to the Army Hospital at Giginya Barrack, Sokoto, for proper attention and treatment.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Abubakar Maradun commended the benevolence of the Nigerian Army.
Abubakar appealed to the army to extend the exercise to other communities and make it a continuous exercise in the state.
He enjoined the beneficiaries to conduct themselves orderly so that the medical personnel could attend to them on time.
He also implored the people to pray for the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Nigerian Army for spiritual and material enablement to carry out their national responsibilities.
