About 1,000 Apapa residents benefited from the free healthcare outreach organised by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft to mark the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.

The outreach, held at the Nigerian Navy Primary School, Mobil Road, Apapa, featured the distribution of educational materials to pupils, as well as free medical consultations, treatment and medication for children and residents within the community.

Speaking on the initiative, the Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, noted that the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, had directed all Naval formations across the country to embark on community-focused initiatives aimed at giving back to their host communities.

He described the directive as a thoughtful and impactful move that reflects the Navy’s commitment to strengthening relations with civilians while appreciating the support of host communities over the decades.

He recalled that the Nigerian Navy was established on June 1, 1956, and has since evolved into what he described as one of the strongest and most formidable maritime forces on the African continent.

According to him, NNS Beecroft, under the leadership of the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral AA Mustapha, chose to focus on education and healthcare as part of its anniversary outreach programme.

Commodore Adams-Aliu noted that the choice of venue was symbolic, describing the school as the first Nigerian Navy Primary School established in the country.

He said the combined educational and medical outreach was designed to positively impact the lives of children and families while reinforcing the Navy’s long-standing connection with the community.

He stressed that access to proper healthcare and health education remains essential to the wellbeing and development of children, adding that the initiative would also provide opportunities for follow-up care and referrals for patients requiring further medical attention.

Adams-Aliu emphasised that the health outreach is not just a one-off exercise, but part of a continuous effort to ensure that members of the community who require additional treatment or medical referrals receive adequate care.

The outreach formed part of broader anniversary activities commemorating seven decades of Naval service, national security and community partnership by the Nigerian Navy.

Pupils of the Nigerian Navy Primary School expressed joy and excitement as educational materials were distributed to them by Commander Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu.

Photo: Beecroft. Caption: Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu (right) with beneficiaries during the event