The 16 Brigade, Nigerian Army in Bayelsa has taken its free medical outreach and other humanitarian services to Oruma community in Ogbia Local Government Area to mark the 2023 Army Day.
A medical team comprising doctors, nurses, pharmacists, ophthalmologists and other medical professionals provided a full day service at Oruma community on Wednesday.
Addressing the ceremony, Chief of Staff, 16 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Col. Ahmed Balogun, noted that the free medical care focused on rural communities that lacked access to healthcare services.
He represented Brig.-Gen. Sadisu Yakasai, the Commander, at the ceremony.
He noted that the Nigerian Army was conducting the medical outreach nationwide.
He said the brigade remained committed to building mutual, cordial relationships with host communities by providing humanitarian services to mark the celebration.
He urged the people to support the Army in its efforts to stamp out oil theft and prevent sabotage of oil installations and crude oil-bearing pipelines in their communities.
Responding, on behalf of beneficiaries, Chief Wariboku Awolowo, Chairman, Chiefs Council of Oruma community, applauded the Army for the gesture.
He represented King David Amakri, the Paramount Ruler at the occasion.
He pledged the cooperation and support of the community to the Army in its operations to secure oil facilities and in ensuring that the coastal communities were safe.
He said that the free medical outreach was of immense benefit to the community and that the residents were happy at the gesture.
Mr Gift Azibapu, a beneficiary commanded the Army for the free medical outreach, and called for an expansion of the program to enable more poor communities to benefit.
