Navy Assures of Adequate Waterways Security, Embarks on Medical Rhapsody
Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO has again reiterated its commitment to the wellbeing and safety of its host communities and environs, pledging to ensure security on the waterways during the yuletide.
Led by the Commanding Officer, Navy Capt. Ifeanyichukwu Mabeokwu, the navy has also led a medical team of doctors, pharmacist and other health officials on three days medical rhapsody to another remote riverine community in Brass local government area of Bayelsa State.
Mabeokwu stated that the medical rhapsody was principally conducted as part of the non-kinetic approaches in support of Operation Delta Sanity iv, adding that it was aimed at providing access to free medical care for the people of Liama and its neighbouring communities.
He emphasised that the outreach was notably part of the Nigerian Navy’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, aimed at consolidating and further deepening civil-military relations.
He said: “This event is expected to run for three days within which we are looking forward to treating over 4,000 persons. Those whose cases cannot be addressed on the spot here, a better time will be arranged for them to be treated properly.
“This programme is organised to consolidate the relationship with our host communities and in turn enable us to gather more intelligence in support of our operations for a safer Niger Delta.
“FOB FORMOSO has equally extended other social gestures to the host communities including Beletiama and Egweama. The Base is currently undertaking some quick impact projects such as the reconstruction of a pedestrian bridge and one boat waiting bay at Liama community, and both amenities are expected to be completed before the Christmas celebration.”
The Commanding Officer similarly used the opportunity to assure seafarers and visitors to the riverine communities of their safety within the area of operation covering over five local government areas in the state.
He added: “I want to use this opportunity to assure our seafarers that the waterways will be very safe for them during this yuletide and even beyond.”
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Benjamin Frances, a teacher in the community school, expressed excitement while thanking the Navy for the kind gesture.
Also speaking, a nursing mother, Maggi Israel, said this was the first time she felt anything like government presence in the community, adding that the Nigerian Navy had made her change the perception she nursed about the military.
The three-day programme which is expected to cater for over 4,000 indigenes commenced in Liama community with over 1,000 persons getting routine check-ups, free medications, health education, insecticide treated nets and free medicated glasses, among others.
