The Nigerian Navy has said it will continue to collaborate effectively with its host communities for information and intelligence sharing to combat criminal activities on the waters in Delta State.
The Commanding Officer of Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy in Escravos, Navy Captain Ikenna F. Okoloagu, gave the assurance while leading officers and ratings to offer free medical services to over 1,000 residents of Aruton and Oporoza communities in Warri South-West Local Government area of the state.
As a result of Aruton and Oporoza communities lacking various health facilities and other social amenities, Navy Captain Okoloagu embarked on the corporate social responsibility tour to improve the health of the people and ensure the safety of the nation’s critical assets, particularly in the oil sector.
He said the conduct of the medical rhapsody was a civil-military cooperation initiative of the Nigerian Navy which was a non-kinetic means aimed at winning the heart and mind of the host communities towards strengthening the existing cordial relationship between the Nigerian Navy and the host communities in their respective areas of operation.
“These medical rhapsody we are doing involves the provision of medical consultations, health education and free medical treatment for common ailments as well as the distribution of insecticide and treated mosquito nets, amongst others,” he said.
Okoloagu stated that Aruton, an Itsekiri community in Ugborodo and Oporoza, which is an Ijaw community and home of chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo in Gbaramatu, were chosen for the exercise in recognition of their contribution to the operational successes of the Nigerian Navy in its area of operation.
“It is believed that the conduct of this medical rhapsody will further improve the existing cooperation between the communities and the Forward Operating Base Escravos. In extension, it also helped in attaining the dictate of the strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, which is to rout out all forms of illegality within the maritime domain.
“With this non kinect approach and the cooperation of the host communities, we will meet the target of 2m b/d oil production as envisaged by the Federal Government,” he stated.
The Eghare-Aja and Chairman of Ugborodo Community Council of Elders, Eghare Daniel Uwawah, commended the Nigerian Navy FOB Escravos for the medical rhapsody brought to his community.
He said the gesture will cement the relationship between his people and the Navy, adding: “I am very, very happy seeing the Navy around with the medical assistance given to my community. I want my people to always welcome the Navy. They are our friends.”
At the Oporoza event in Gbaramatu l, the Public Relations Officer of Gbaramatu Youth Council, Waruyen Ebilade, said the gesture of medical rhapsody executed in the community will boost the existing relationship with the Nigerian Navy.
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