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Army provides free medical services to Kaduna communities
By Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, has urged residents of Katabu community in Igabi local government area of Kaduna State to ensure peaceful coexistence among themselves and with their neighbours, stating that soldiers are peace lovers committed to the progress of the country.
Several people in Katabu community and other neighbouring communities with various ailments accessed the free medical services. Physically challenged persons, such as those with mobility impairments, were provided with wheelchairs and crutches.
Services such as eye tests, blood pressure checks, and dental care were also provided.
Speaking at the free medical outreach service to the community as part of activities to mark this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), the COAS urged the people to use the opportunity of the free medical services to know their health status.
The Army boss was represented by the Chief of Army Administration, Major General Lawrence A. Fejokwu.
He said, “I bring you greetings from the amiable Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, whom I represent here today. The Chief of Army Staff has asked me to remind all of us that the medical outreach is part of the Nigerian Army Day celebration, which is a week-long event.
“The Chief of Army Staff has directed me to tell this audience to please seize this opportunity to know their health status, do the necessary checks that are available here, know your numbers, check your blood sugar, your blood pressure (BP), check your eyes; all facilities to do that are here.
“There is further direction that I should let you know that soldiers keep peace and that soldiers are peace lovers. He wants me to thank you for the peace enjoyed in this area of Katabu in Rigachikun, Igabi local government area of Kaduna State.
“He asked me to tell you to keep up the peace and that the Army will support you in anything that you do that is aimed at ensuring peace. I wish you all well for coming out for this medical outreach and making it worthy of remembering.”
Earlier, the Acting Commander Corps of Medical, Brigadier General Samson O. Okoigi, who led the free medical services, said the gesture is to promote civil-military relations and demonstrate the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the health and well-being of local communities.
“This medical outreach is part of the programmes lined up for NADCEL 2025. It is taking place simultaneously in all formations and units of the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army has a long history of providing good medical care to the Nigerian populace both in peacetime and in times of conflict.
“Our medical personnel have been instrumental in the successful resolution of various military operations and have played a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of troops and winning the hearts and minds of civilians in our operating environment.
“The Nigerian Army is committed to securing our country and providing robust healthcare services to our citizens; hence, the singular reason we are so proud to host this medical outreach to commemorate NADCEL 2025 and provide free medical services to the good people of Mararaban Jos and its environs. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General O.O. Oluyede, has chosen Kaduna State to host this prestigious event.
“This medical outreach is aimed at providing much-needed medical care and attention to the good people of Mararaban Jos and its environs. The outreach will provide primary healthcare services, which include free medical consultations, dental care, nursing services, laboratory investigations and screening, drug dispensing, HIV screening and counselling services, eye tests with free prescription glasses, and many more,” General Okoigi said.