Over 1,500 Residents Benefit From Navy’s Free Medical Outreach In Rivers
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder recently organised a one-day free medical outreach in Rumuolumeni Community, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Over 1,500 residents benefitted from the medical rhapsody, which featured a range of health services.
The services provided included rapid malaria and urine tests, mass deworming, administration of Vitamin A, free medical consultations, health talks on HIV, distribution of medications, and insecticide-treated mosquito nets for children and pregnant women.
The beneficiaries were also screened for diabetes mellitus and hepatitis B and C, and treated for malaria, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
According to the Commander of NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Nnabuchi Aniaku, the medical outreach is part of the Navy’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) and non-kinetic efforts under Operation Delta Sanity II.
The event was also aimed at enhancing civil-military relations between the Nigerian Navy and the Rumuolumeni community.
Aniaku stated that the medical rhapsody aligns with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala’s Admiralty Model vision, mission, and strategic directive.
The outreach was part of the activities marking the 2025 Nigerian Navy Week Celebration, which commemorates the 69th Nigerian Navy Anniversary.
“It is pertinent to state that NNS PATHFINDER had organised Educational Rhapsody in this community in October 2024 and Medical Rhapsody in December 2024. As you all know, health is wealth, and no community develops without good health. More so, health remains a powerful tool for personal and community growth.
“This brings to the fore the importance the Nigerian Navy places on CSR, and as we all know, giving back to society is the essence of our existence. Notably, this initiative aligns with the vision, mission and strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla AM.
“Accordingly, today’s Medical Rhapsody is part of the Nigerian Navy’s broad mandate, which extends beyond safeguarding our waters and national assets, is ensuring the health, safety and development of the people in the riverine and coastal communities like Rumuolumeni.
“The Nigerian Navy remains a key stakeholder in nation building, and through initiatives like this, it aims to strengthen the bond between the Nigerian Navy and its surrounding communities.
“It is my belief that these services will go a long way in catering to the health needs of the people of the community,” he said.
Paramount Ruler of Rumuolumeni Community, His Royal Highness, Eze Elvis Chukwuemeka Okocha Orlumeni, thanked the Navy for their consistency in giving free medical care to the community.
The Monarch, represented by the Chairman of the Rumuolumeni Council of Chiefs, Eze Chinedu Nyeche Onunwo, described the gesture as fantastic.
“This is a very good thing that the community and residents appreciate. They have done such before. The Navy Ship Pathfinder is trying. We appreciate it,” he said.
The traditional ruler commended the Navy, urging them to continue with the good gesture, assuring them of the community’s cooperation.
He said, “They carried out a similar programme last year, and this year they are here again. We commend them and urge them to continue in the good gesture. And we assure them that we will continue to give them more cooperation. I pray God bless them,” he said.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with journalists commended the NNS Pathfinder for the gesture.
Mrs Joy Samuel, a resident of the community, said, “I want to thank them immensely, especially for this net. This rainy season, mosquitoes are really disturbing us and I have been wanting to buy this net, but no money. Today it was given to me free of charge.”
Another beneficiary, Mrs Loveth Amadi, said, “I was actually going to the hospital in the morning when I saw their signpost. I said, Let me come and see what is happening, and here I have received the treatment I wanted to get in the hospital. God bless them.” She thanked the Navy for the free treatment.
Over 1,500 Residents Benefit From Navy’s Free Medical Outreach In Rivers is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
