No fewer than 2000 residents of Warri South on Monday benefited from a medical outreach organised by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta.
The event held, at the Warri South Local Government Secretariat Annex was to mark the 68th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy (NN).
Beneficiaries of the medical outreach comprised youth and adults from Ubeji, Ugbuwangue, Igbudu, Okumagba, Agbasa, other neighboring communities of Warri South Local Government Area.
In his address of welcome, Commander of the NNS Delta, Commodore Abba Muhsin said that the exercise was held as directed by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
“On behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, I welcome you to this important day in the history of the Nigerian Navy.
“To commemorate this milestone, the NN in fulfillment of its commitment and social responsibility to her host communities is organising a Medical Rhapsody as part of the anniversary celebration,” he said.
Muhsin said that the essence of the outreach was to help the people within its host communities.
He added that it was part of the mandate of the NN to organise Medical Rhapsody.
Muhsin said that the Naval medical outreach involved reaching out and rendering free medical services to selected communities by specialist medical personnel of the NN.
“We want the local communities to feel that they are part of us as much as we are part of them.
“The beneficiaries of this medical outreach are usually communities in the host local government area which is Warri South.
“Warri South has been chosen as beneficiary of this medical outreach and our choice is not influenced by any other factor but purely on humanitarian,” he said.
The navy commodore said that the exercise comprised: free medical check, blood pressure check, consultation and treatment, dental, eye check, sugar test and laboratory test.
Muhsin said that the NN was committed to the well-being of the people and urged them to always visit the Nigerian Navy Hospital in Effurun for medical attention.
“We have for long identified with you as being part of us and we as part of the larger society,” he said.
The navy commodore reaffirmed the commitment of the NN to the general well-being of the people and urged them to partner with the Navy to make society safe and conducive for everyone.
Muhsin expressed joy at the reception and the turnout of people for the exercise noting it would encourage the Navy to do more.
He assured that the NN would continue to identify with the people beyond the anniversary.
In his remark, Chief Eyituoyo Awani, who spoke on behalf of the communities thanked the NN for the gesture.
Awani described the outreach as a “legacy programme” considering the high cost of executing health programmes in the country.
There was a public health talk delivered by medical personnel of the Nigerian Navy on Hypertension and the distribution of drugs at no cost.