Nigerian Navy Ship WEY, Ojo Conducted Free Medical Rhapsody which included blood checks, eye tests, dental checks, malaria treatments, sharing of mosquito nets and drainage clearance at the Kirikiri area of Lagos on Saturday 6 January 2024.
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) WEY at the weekend conducted free medical rhapsody and community service at the Kirikiri area of Lagos as part of efforts to appreciate the host community for peaceful co-existence over the years.
The exercise featured range of medical services starting with public health talks, vital signs check, blood pressure check and blood sugar checks.
Others were, distribution of treated mosquito nets, eye test, dental checks, and clearing of the drainage, general clean-up to mitigate the effect of climate change and improve cleanliness and aesthetics in the area.
Speaking at the event, Commander NNS WEY, Rear Admiral Muhammed Dahiru said the free medical rhapsody was organised as part of NNS WEY cooperate social responsibility aimed at fostering the cordial civil-military relationship with the host community.
The commander said it was also geared towards appreciating the community for the peaceful co-existence that has spanned over decades.
He expressed profound gratitude to the host community as well as the paramilitary and security agencies within the area for their cooperation and tolerance of the Nigerian Navy (NN) personnel.
Admiral Dahiru particularly thanked the leadership of the Correctional Service for allowing NN personnel access through the Correctional Service road to Navy Town from Kirikiri.
The Commander stated that the NN is poised to fostering the relationship with the host community as well as the paramilitary institutions, while pledging NN’s commitment to maintain the cordial and harmonious relations with its neighbours.
Admiral Dahiru also called on the community heads to continue to impress on their members to maintain law and order and be tolerant of NN personnel so as to maintain the cordial relations that exist between kirikiri residents and the NN.
Admiral Dahiru also noted that the medical rhapsody was in line with the Chief of the Naval Staff strategic directives 2003-6.
The exercise was a success as residents turned out in mass to participate in the exercise.
The Baale of Kirikiri Town, Chief Babalola Babatunde in turn thanked the NN, particularly Commander NNS WEY for choosing Kirikiri for the medical rhapsody and the community service.
He specifically praised the Navy's medical initiative for saving lives and ensuring the utmost security presence and protection in Kirikiri Community and Apapa.
Highlighting the significance of preventive measures in maintaining security, the Baale Chief acknowledged the Nigerian Navy's consistent support in ensuring the community's safety in day-to-day activities.
Chief Babalola Babatunde Shabi wholeheartedly embraced the medical rhapsody initiative brought by the Nigerian Navy, emphasizing that the community's health holds more value than material wealth. He lauded the experts for their medical advice and encouraged the Navy to continue organizing such initiatives regularly, suggesting a frequency of at least every four months.
He assured the Commander that the cordial relationship between the NN and the Kirikiri residents will be sustained.
