The Nigerian Army has initiated free medical and educational outreach programmes for vulnerable citizens in communities located in Okene and Adavi Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
The medical outreach was inaugurated by the Commander of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Harunah Dasuki, at the College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Okene.
Alongside the medical services, the Army distributed free educational materials such as notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers, sharpeners, erasers, and other stationery items to the college students.
Brig.-Gen. Dasuki explained that these medical and educational outreaches were part of the activities under the ongoing “Exercise (EX) Still Waters III” aimed at supporting the less privileged citizens in society. The exercise, which commenced on October 30 by the Nigerian Army, is designed to ensure a secure environment for the communities during the Yuletide period.
Highlighting the importance of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), Brig.-Gen. Dasuki emphasised that these outreach programmes were the Army’s way of engaging and assisting their host communities.
He commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for providing the necessary resources and logistics for the command to execute these programmes in the state.
Assuring continued efforts towards ensuring a secure environment and fostering economic activities, the Commander urged communities to provide timely and relevant information to aid in maintaining safety in the areas.
Representing the Chairman of Okene Local Government Area, Alh. Abdulrazaq Muhammad, and Mr. Yusuf Suleiman, expressed gratitude to the Army for choosing Okene for their outreach. He stressed that these gestures would significantly enhance the health and education of the people in the region.
Some beneficiaries, Mrs. Jemilat Nuhu, Sabdat Nasiru, and Sefiat Salihu, expressed their appreciation to the Army for addressing their health concerns and providing free medication.
“We are grateful to the Nigerian Army for their support in our communities. I received malaria and typhoid medications after undergoing medical tests,” said Nuhu.
“Thanks to the Army, mosquitoes will no longer bother me and my baby as we’ve been provided with treated mosquito nets,” shared Salihu, a nursing mother.
Services rendered during the outreach included blood pressure checks, diabetes screenings, malaria and typhoid treatments, general consultations, and administration of the oral polio vaccine for children, among others.
The Head Boy and Girl of the college, Muhammed Abdulaziz and Aisha Suleiman respectively, expressed gratitude for the Army’s gesture and assured proper use of the donated materials.
Additionally, the Commander visited the Margaret Garba Ohiani Orphanage Home in Zango, Adavi local government area, donating food items and cash to support the children in need
Mrs Regina Ejembi, who received the donations on behalf of the orphanage home, appreciated the Chief of Army Staff for the gesture, highlighting its significant impact on the welfare of the children.
“We truly appreciate your support, and we pray that God Almighty will continue to bless you and the Nigerian Army,” expressed Ejembi.
Donated items included rice, detergents, sugar, noodles, spaghetti, seasoning, among others, along with a cash donation.
