In continuation of its drive to reinforce its commitment to its host communities in its Area of Responsibility, AOR, the Nigerian Navy Ship WEY, recently conducted a medical rhapsody, as well as environmental sanitation for Kirikiri Town residents in Oriade Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Lagos. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that it went a long way to foster civil-military relations
As part of measures to reinforce its commitment to its host communities, aimed at enhancing the well-being of the residents, promote cooperation, and contribute to environmental beautification, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) WEY recently carried out a medical rhapsody as well as environmental sanitation for Kirikiri Town residents.
The exercise featured a range of medical services starting with public health talks, vital signs check, blood pressure check, blood sugar checks, distribution of treated mosquito nets, eye test, dental checks, and even likelihood of surgery for chronic cases at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital inside NNS WEY.
Also targeted at fostering civil-military relations, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) WEY, Rear Admiral Mohammed Dahiru, who expressed appreciation at the cordial relationship between NNS WEY and its host communities, including Kirikiri Town, said the initiative was in line with the directives contained in the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, Strategic Directive 2023-6.
For Nigeria Navy Ship WEY that administers 10 barracks areas, Rear Admiral Dahiru said the outreach would touch other communities like he had promised last year when they carried out the first one near Navy Town, still in Oriade LCDA.
Beside the environmental sanitation carried out by personnel under NNS WEY, naval medical personnel gave health talks, conducted pre-medical checks and provided essential treatments.
Also, Rear Admiral Dahiru donated mosquito nets to the residents while pledging that the medical outreach would go beyond treatment on site. THISDAY further gathered that NNS WEY was prepared to offer surgery at no cost to patients whose cases were beyond what would be treated at the outreach.
Admiral Dahiru particularly thanked the leadership of the Correctional Service represented by the duo of Officer in Charge of Kirikiri Maximum Custodial Centre, DCC SO Balogun and Mike Anugwa, officer in charge of Kirikiri Minimum Custodial Centre, for allowing NN personnel access through the Correctional Service road to Navy Town from Kirikiri.
The Commander stated that the NN is poised to foster the relationship with the host community as well as the paramilitary institutions, while pledging NN’s commitment to maintain the cordial and harmonious relations with its neighbours.
Admiral Dahiru also called on the community heads to continue to impress on their members to maintain law and order and be tolerant of NN personnel so as to maintain the cordial relations that exist between Kirikiri residents and the NN.
Speaking on the sanitation, the commander said by clearing the drainages, they enhanced the environment’s aesthetics and also reduced mosquito infestation, adding that it also mitigated the effect of climate change.
In an interview afterwards, Rear Admiral Dahiru reiterated the NN’s commitment to the welfare of the community, just as he expressed gratitude to the local government and traditional rulers for their support.
Commending the move by NNS WEY,
Executive Chairman of Oriade LCDA, Hon. Romotalai Akinola Hassan, who was represented by the Secretary of the Council, Mr. Rasaq Akorede Olojede, said it showed the harmonious relationship between the navy and the community.
But beyond the outreach, he said the LCDA has been blessed to have the support of NNS WEY in terms of security and protection of lives and property of the respective communities.
The Baale of Kirikiri Town, Chief Babalola Babatunde in turn thanked the NN, particularly Commander NNS WEY for choosing Kirikiri for the medical rhapsody and the community service.
He assured the Commander that the cordial relationship between the NN and the Kirikiri residents will be sustained, adding that the exercise will further cement and foster the already existing cordial relations between the NN and the host community.
