The Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH (NNS SOROH), under the Central Naval Command, has extended a free medical outreach programme to residents of Zarama community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, as part of efforts aimed at strengthening relations between security agencies and host communities.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on Monday, the Commander of NNS SOROH, Commodore Omobamidele Akinbami, said the initiative was introduced to support access to healthcare in coastal communities. Represented by the Executive Officer of NNS SOROH, Capt. Jerry Ayim-Odu, Akinbami noted that the Navy considers the health of host communities a priority, adding that good health contributes significantly to national development.
According to him, the outreach includes free medical check-ups, consultations, distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, free medication, and health education sessions. He noted that the Nigerian Navy is determined to extend its medical services beyond its personnel in order to reach neighbouring communities that lack regular access to healthcare.
“This medical outreach is designed to provide free medical services and also deepen medical awareness as well as strengthen civil-military relations between the Navy and its host community,” the Commander said. “We want to encourage everyone in this community to avail themselves of this free medical outreach so that it will further protect our future and the future of our children.”
While explaining that the programme forms part of the Nigerian Navy’s Corporate Social Responsibility, Commodore Akinbami emphasised that such non-kinetic engagements help in discouraging criminal activities along coastal areas. “We are doing this so that it will dissuade those who may want to participate in maritime crime and also to make them know that the Federal Government and the Navy care about their wellbeing,” he added.
Some beneficiaries who spoke expressed appreciation to the Navy for remembering their community. Mrs. Beauty Ebiba, a resident of Zarama, commended NNS SOROH for bringing healthcare services close to the people and called for similar intervention in other communities within the state.
Another beneficiary, Chief Moses Etekpe, described the outreach as timely, stressing that many residents do not have the financial capacity to access regular medical check-ups. He urged community members to come out in large numbers and take advantage of the opportunity to examine their health status early and seek medical attention when necessary.
Residents who attended the opening event were seen receiving various services, as officers and medical personnel conducted examinations and handed out malaria preventive nets. The outreach is expected to continue over the week.
