The Nigerian Army (NA) has conducted a one-day medical outreach in the Oja Oba Community, Ibadan, the Oyo state capital in continuation of the series of activities lined up for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2023 (NADCEL).
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Mapo Hall, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Taoreed Lagbaja appreciated the residents for their support to the NA adding that the choice of Oja Oba Community for the exercise was to give back to the people of Ibadan for their cooperation and support to the NA in the discharge of its constitutional mandate.
According to a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the COAS, who was represented by the Chief of Transformation and Innovations Army (COTI) Major General Zakari Abubakar said the medical outreach is to commemorate the 160th year of Nigerian Army’s existence.
He assured the community that the Nigerian Army will continue to provide platforms that would further strengthen the already existing cordial relationship with the Nigerian Army.
The Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government Area, Emmanuel Olawale appreciated the NA for her kind gesture noting that the people of Oja Oba community were delighted to have the Nigerian Army medical team in their midst to provide free medical services.
He therefore, commended the Army for the outreach and for ensuring the security of lives and property of Ibadan and sorrounding areas.
The event witnessed 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 free medical checkup.
The Nigerian Army also distributed free drugs, eyeglasses, crutches and wheelchairs to the physically challenged.
Health talks and counselling were also conducted to sensitize the community as the exercise was also used as a platform to enlighten the community on the implications of substance abuse in their community.
PIAK
