By Udoyo Oyosongo
The 16 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has conducted a free medical outreach for the indigent households and the people displaced by flood in Otuokpoti community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The medical outreach which addressed different medical needs of over 500 indigenes of the community and its environs was carried out as parts of activities to mark ‘Operation Crocodile Smile IV’ billed to be launched in Bayelsa State next month.
Speaking during the flag-off of the medical outreach, the Commander, 16 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Valentine Okoro said the outreach is part of their civil interventions to the host communities and security stakeholders.
Okoro, said that the exercise is aimed at diagnosing the beneficiaries of malaria ailment which affects the people of the state at the moment due to incident of flooding that spread mosquitoes to different households.
He listed other areas which the medical team of the brigade will focus to include; free medical screening for elderly persons and children, treatment for diabetes, HIV screening, typhoid fever, hypertension and other life threatening ailments.
He said the medical outreach is in line with the vision of the Chief of Army Staff to have a professional and responsive army that will discharge it constitutional duties according to the rule of engagement.
He said: “This outreach is the first in the series of activities to mark this year’s Exercise Crocodile Smile IV. We will be embarking on civil supportive programmes aimed at fostering better understanding and deeper cooperation with our host community. This will be done with the main objective of reposing confidence in the Nigerian Army towards curbing violence and crimes.
“We hope that the collaboration we have built today with Otuokpoti community will foster a greater understanding between the community and the Nigerian Army to ensure peace and security in the community.
“We are here to render humanitarian assistance to the people, after this outreach. The follow up medical assistance will be available at the brigade’s medical centre for the beneficiaries and other less privileged Nigerians,” he said.
The Paramount Ruler of Otuokpoti community, Chief Azibakanye Wongo, expressed happiness for the gesture of the Nigerian Army toward addressing the health needs of his subjects, noting that it will go a long way to preserve the lives of the people who are vulnerable to sickness due to environmental degradation.
