Iruoma Okpalaebubu
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, has conducted free medical checks for host community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Omable African News observed that over 1,500 residents of Rumuolumeni community, benefitted from the one-day free medical rhapsody carried out on Tuesday.
The beneficiaries were treated for malaria, blood pressure, blood sugar, and screened for diabetes mellitus, Hepatitis B and C.
During the exercise which also featured rapid malaria and urine tests, mass deworming, administration of Vitamin A, free medical consultations, health talk on HIV, distribution of medications and insecticide-treated mosquito net for children and pregnant women, among others.
The Commander, NNS Pathfinder, Commodore Cajethan Nnabuchi Aniaku said the medical rhapsody is in line with Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, (Admiralty Model) vision, mission and strategic directive.
Aniaku stated that the outreach, which held at the community town hall was part of activities marking the 2025 Nigerian Navy Week Celebration and also part of the Navy’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) and non-kinetic efforts of Operation Delta Sanity II.
He explained that the exercise was also aimed at enhancing civil-military relations between the Nigerian Navy and it’s host (Rumuolumeni) community.
The NNS Pathfinder Commander said, “In line with the 2025 Navy Week Celebration to mark the 69th Nigerian Navy Anniversary, the Base deemed it fit to organize a medical rhapsody in our host community as part of her Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) and non-kinetic line of operations under Operation DELTA SANITY II.
“It is pertinent to state that NNS PATHFINDER had organized Educational Rhapsody in this community in October 2024 and Medical Rhapsody in December 2024. As you all know, health is wealth and no community develops without good health. More so, health remains a powerful tool for personal and community growth.
“This brings to the fore the importance the Nigerian Navy places on CSR and as we all know, giving back to the society is the only essence of our existence. Notably, this initiative aligns with the vision, mission and strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla (Admiralty Medal).
“Accordingly, today’s Medical Rhapsody is part of the
Nigerian Navy’s broad mandate which extends beyond safeguarding our waters and national assets in ensuring health, safety and development of the people in the riverine and coastal Communities like Rumuolumeni.
“The Nigerian Navy remains a key stakeholder in nation building and through initiatives like this, it aims to strengthen the bond between the Nigerian Navy and its surrounding communities.
“It is my believe that these services will go a long way in catering for the health needs of the people of the community,” he said.
Paramount Ruler of Rumuolumeni Community, Eze Elvis Okocha Orlumeni, thanked the Navy for their consistency in giving free medicare to the community.
The Monarch represented by the Chairman Rumuolumeni Council of Chiefs, Eze Chinedu Nyeche Onunwo, described the gesture as fantastic.
“This is a very good thing that the community and residents appreciate. They have done such before. The Navy Ship Pathfinder is trying. We appreciate it,” he said.
The traditional ruler commended the Navy urging them to continue with the good gesture, assuring them of the community’s cooperation.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with journalists, commended the NNS Pathfinder for the gesture.
Mrs Joy Samuel, a resident of the community said, “I want to thank them immensely, especially for this net. This rainy season, mosquito is really disturbing us and I have been wanting to buy this net but no money, today it was given to me free of charge.”