The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos of the Nigerian Navy has provided free medical rhapsody to four riverine communities in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the befitting communities are Aruton, Ugborodo, Ajudaigbo and Ogidigben.
Addressing the beneficiaries on Thursday at Aruton Community, the Commanding Officer of the FOB, Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu said the exercise was aimed at supporting the wellbeing of the host communities.
Okoloagu added that the free medical outreach served as a way of giving back to the people, and further strengthened the existing cordial relationship between the Base and the host communities.
He noted that improved cooperation between the Navy and host communities was crucial in attaining the strategic directives of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas to root out illegalities in the maritime environment.
Okoloagu, therefore, said that the free medical exercise was in furtherance of the leadership and command ethos of the CNS and the Base’s operational mandate under the auspices of Operation DELTA SANITY II.
The naval boss observed that the Base needed the support of the host communities to enable it to achieve its mandate.
He emphasised that the medical outreach was a way of appreciating the people for their cooperation and support.
Okoloagu said that the FOB Escravos was mandated to curtail crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other acts of economic sabotage as well as provide a secured maritime environment for economic activities.
“We are in Aruton Community to conduct free medical rhapsody for the good people and other invited host communities such as Ugborodo, Ajudaigbo and Ogidigben.
“The free medical rhapsody involves health education for medical consultation, distribution of medications, treated mosquito nets, insecticides and eye glasses among others.
“The medical rhapsody will further endear the Nigerian Navy to the populace, thereby improving the existing cooperation between both parties,” he said.
The naval boss also said that the initiative was geared towards attaining increased crude oil production.
NAN reports that the beneficiaries which comprised youth and the elderly, converged at Aruton town hall to partake in the Navy’s civil-military cooperation efforts.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Elizabeth Tuoyo, thanked the Base for the gesture and appealed to other security agencies to emulate the Nigerian Navy.
