The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Monday, flagged off a medical outreach programme in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the Nigerian Army.
Declaring the programme open at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the CoAS, who was represented by the Chief of Transformation and Innovations, Maj. Gen. Zakari Abubakar, said the aim of the programme was to further cement the good relationship between the Nigerian Army and the people.
Lagbaja said, “The reason for this programme is to further cement the cordial relationship that exists between the Nigerian Army and the good people of this state. It is also to mark the 160 years of the Nigerian Army. The medical programme is free of charge, irrespective of your status, religion or tribe. Either you are young, middle-aged or aged, either you are rich or poor, you are entitled to this free medical programme.”
A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu mentioned that “the event witnessed a large number of residents who took advantage of the free medical outreach to access tests and treatment for diverse ailments, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, dental, heart, eye, and other health challenges, as well as unpaid medical checkups. The Nigerian Army also distributed free drugs, eyeglasses, crutches and wheelchairs to the physically challenged. Health talks and counselling were also conducted to sensitise the community.”
Speaking, the Chairman, Central Organising Committee, Maj. Gen. Victor Onumajuru, said, “The society owns the Army. They should support us. Give us more encouragement. The more they support us, the more we give back to society. So, we are asking for more support from them.”
Similarly, the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Katsina State, through its medical outreach, attended to no fewer than 500 residents of Natsinta in Jibia Local Government Area of the state.
Ajose, while supervising the outreach programme, said, “Natinsta is our host community, and people of the community, as well as those from our other host communities, have been very supportive of the Brigade.’’
