Emmanuel Nlewedum, Port Harcourt
No fewer than 2,000 persons from Opobo community in Opobo/Nkoro local government and Nkpor clan in Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State, have benefitted from a two-day free medical rhapsody sponsored by the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder.
The free medical outreach held at the two Rivers communities between Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 December, 2024.
Daily Champion reports that the communities were treated of blood pressure, blood sugar, hepatitis B and C, Malaria, Urine test, and general medical treatment, while insecticide treated mosquito nets were distributed to children and pregnant women during the exercise.
The Commander, NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, told newsmen that the medical rhapsody was part of the Nigeria Navy’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) and non-kinetic efforts of Operation Delta Sanity 4, and end-of-year activities aimed at reaching out to the civil populace and its host communities.
Commodore Aniaku said the outreach is in line with the vision, mission and strategic directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogala, adding that it is a way of reaching out to their host Communities.
He said the essence of the exercise was to give medical services to those that are less privileged and those who may not have the time to visit medical centers within both communities.
“As part of Nigerian Navy Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) and non-kinetic efforts of Operation Delta Sanity 4, and Navy end-of-year activities, the medical rhapsody was programed to give back to society, particularly the poor and less privileged who may not have access to medicare regularly.
“That is why we deemed it fit to organize a two-day medical rhapsody. Day one was yesterday at Opobo, where over 1,000 people were targeted and today we are doing it in Rumuolumeni community, being our host community, to give back to the people. With this, we offer them some free Medicare that they most likely may not get because of one reason or the other,” he stated.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with journalists, thanked the Navy for the gesture.
A resident of Opobo community and beneficiary, Anthony Oko-Jaja, who was treated of malaria, typhoid and ulcer, thanked the Navy for the consistency in giving free medicare to the community. “They carried out a similar program last year and this year they are here again. I pray God to bless them,” he said.
Another resident of Opobo, Wariopuorubo Christianah Dienye Belgam, said she was treated of arthritis. She said: “I have leg problem, I am suffering from arthritis and rheumatism on my two legs but they have given me drugs. May God bless them and give them good health as they have the mind to treat us.”
Also, a resident of Nkpor Community, Mr. Friday John said: “I came here with my little son. My wife abandoned this child for me because of difficulties. We were treated of malaria and typhoid.” He thanked the Navy for the free treatment.
Another resident of Nkpor, Nnaji Nkem, said she and her child were treated of malaria, worm and blood sugar. She said she was also given free treated mosquito net.
In their separate comments, Dr. Dienye Belgam, representative of the Natural Ruler of Opobo Kingdom, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja and Traditional Ruler of Rumuolumeni Community, Eze Ikechi Wagbara, represented by Chief Rowland Wagbara, expressed their gratitude to the Navy for the gesture.
