The Nigerian Navy on Monday appealed for support of corporate organisations towards health and educational needs of their host communities, especially the underserved ones.
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Rotimi Oderemi made the appeal during a free medical and educational rhapsody to Adiabo community in Odukpani local government area of Cross River.
He said that such a gesture will give residents of these communities sense of belonging, promote their wellbeing and provide opportunities for the indigent students.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise was carried out by the NNS Victory in conjunction with the Navy reference hospital, Calabar, saw the Navy distributing various medications as well as educational materials to residents.
Oderemi said that the gesture was borne out of the command’s kinetic approach towards identifying with members of their host communities.
He said that beyond the Nigerian navy’s constitutional role of protecting the territorial integrity of the Nation, he added that the force was bound as a responsible government agency to support the needy, especially in her areas of operation.
According to him, “I am optimistic that this support will go a long way to enhance the educational pursuits of the benefiting students and also enhance the health of the people.
“With this, we expect that you, students, will do better in your studies.”
While noting that this will be the fourth in the series of free medical rhapsody the Navy will be conducting this year, Oderemi said that the security outfit will continue with this support.
The NNS Victory Commander while urging them to make judicious use of all the items, said the Navy has so far visited three council areas and impacted on six schools this year alone.
In his address, Gov. Bassey Otu commended the Navy in its continued effort to ensure that humanity is given due attention.
Represented by his special assistant on special duties, Mr Ekpenyong Akiba, Otu noted that the government will continue to collaborate with the Navy to ensure that more communities are touched by this programme.
“We are also encouraging other organisations to emulate the Navy with this kind of programme which is humanity in nature.
“This is because the outreach is making impact in underserved communities, creating opportunities for awareness, and enhancing educational advancement.”
On his part, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy reference hospital, Capt. Simon Ocholi, said the motive for the health rhapsody is to ensure wellness of the people.
He said cases that can’t be handled immediately will be referred to the hospital for further medical intervention.
NAN reports that no fewer than 10,000 residents of the state have so far benefited from the free medical rhapsody in 2024 alone. (NAN)
