The Joint Task Force (JTF) protecting oil facilities in the Niger Delta Region, on Wednesday, embarked on free medical services to its Igbogene host community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
The Commander of the task force, Rear Adm. Akinjide Akinrinade, who launched the programme, said the gesture was part of the efforts to cement the existing cordial relationship between the force and community.
“This medical outreach is part of civil-military activities. The medical rhapsody and health awareness campaign is aimed at improving the health of the populace.
“The outreach is also aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the locals in order to foster cordial relationship,” he said.
Akinrinade said that the outreach would feature health education, eye screening, blood pressure checks and HIV, hepatitis, random blood sugar and malaria tests, amongst others.
He commended the community for providing a peaceful operational environment for the headquarters of the military outfit.
“The medical outreach is an opportunity to appreciate the good people of Igbogene community for their hospitality, support and creating a peaceful and conducive environment for JTF’s operation,” he said.
The Tide correpondent reports that thousands of residents, who turned out for the exercise at the community town hall, took turn to get attention.
Hope Bob 11, who benefitted from the exercise, said he was very happy about the friendly and quality attention he got from the medical team.
Chief Hope Adike, the paramount ruler of Igbogene, on behalf of his community, expressed appreciation to the military for the gesture.
“We are indeed very happy that the task force is showing us care, especially this season of Christmas.
“The relocation of the JTF headquarters to Igbogene has brought peace and security to our place.
“Our bond of friendship with the military is growing stronger and it is paving the way for the development of our area,” Adike said.
The JTF commander, along with the Unit Commanders, visited an orphanage in the area and donated food items, including provisions and confectioneries, to enable the inmates to celebrate Christmas.
Receiving the items, Mrs Joy Ozei, who runs the home, called Daisy Orphanage, said it cared for children with medical disorders.
Ozei said that the staff members and inmates of the orphanage relied on voluntary support of public-spirited individuals.
She said that the specialised care provided at the centre had helped to rehabilitate and give hope to the children, many of whom were educated and given vocational skills.
He said that the centre had enjoyed the support of the military and urged the task force to visit the home more frequently.