Embarks on 3-day medical rhapsody in Bayelsa riverine communities
The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO has reiterated its commitment to the well-being and safety of its host communities and environs.

This was as FOB FORMOSO led by the Commanding Officer, Navy Capt. Ifeanyichukwu Charles Mabeokwu and a medical team of Doctors, Pharmacists and other health officials embarked
on a three-day medical rhapsody to another remote riverine community in Brass Local Council of Bayelsa State.

Navy Capt. Mabeokwu, stated that the medical rhapsody was principally conducted as part of the non-kinetic approaches in support of Operation DELTA SANITY IV.

It was aimed at providing access to free medical care for the people of Liama and its neighboring communities.

He emphasised that, the outreach is notably part of the Nigerian Navy’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under the good leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, which is aimed at consolidating and further deepening the admirable civil military relations existing between the community and FOB FORMOSO.

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 FOB FORMOSO’s Area of Operation covering over five local government areas in the state.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Benjamin Frances, a teacher in the community school, expressed excitement while thanking the Navy for their kind gesture.

He said: “I want to specially thank the Nigerian Navy for this thoughtful gesture especially as there is no hospital or health centre in the community.

Also, 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 has made her change the perception she nursed about the military.

The three days long programme which is expected to cater for over 4,000 indigenes commenced yesterday at Liama community with over 1,000 persons getting routine check-ups, free medications/drugs, health education, insecticide treated nets and free medicated glasses among others.