The Nigerian Navy says just as it strives to deliver on its mandate to defend the nation’s maritime environment, it also cares for the wellbeing of citizens and will always be on their side.

Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (NN FOB), Bonny, Capt. Maksum Mohammed said this during a Medical Rhapsody organised by the FOB Bonny to commemorate the Navy’s 68th Anniversary at the Women’s Hall, Bonny, Rivers State.

Represented by his Executive Officer, Commander Gerald Daloeng, the FOB CO explained that the programme underscores the fact that the Nigerian Navy remains a partner in progress with the people, promising that the Navy would continue to explore ways to make life better for the people.

“The Navy is celebrating her 68th birthday, commemorating the 68th anniversary of the establishment of the Nigerian Navy, which involves a series of activities culminating on the first of June, which is the actual day of establishment.”

“Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Bonny has also keyed into these activities and has decided to, in our normal way of giving back to the public, conduct a modest medical rhapsody, which is aimed at providing medical care to our host community and in a bid to remind them that we’re with them and that we’re partners in progress and we will do all within our powers to ensure that the livelihood of the people on the island is made better in our own small way.”

The Medical Rhapsody consisted of free medical consultation, Health education, screening for hepatitis B and C, malaria parasite test, blood pressure and sugar level checks, deworming exercise, and free medication.

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base stated that it had always responded to the distress calls from the community, stressing that the medical outreach was its own way of giving back to the community, from the distribution of books to school children to the provision of medical care and treatment.

In an interview with Kristina Reports, one of the beneficiaries, Idawarifagha Hart, expressed his appreciation to the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Bonny for the care and support they’ve shown to the Bonny people, praying that they continue their good works.

“The checkup was okay. They did it professionally and everything worked out well. I did not even expect it this way but I thank God that they that are doing the test.”

“It is perfectly done. I don’t know if they have done this before but this is my first time seeing it and I thank their leader or captain or whoever is in charge. May the good Lord bless them and let them continue in this kind of joy. It will really help humanity.”

“Like in my own case now they found out something and they have given me drugs. I did not pay one naira for it. Thank you. These are the drugs they gave to me concerning high blood pressure. I’m appreciating them, God bless.”

Medical personnel of diverse disciplines from the Nigerian Navy converged on the programme to attend to diverse health conditions, diagnosing ailments, prescribing treatments and providing medication to the teeming multitude that turned out for the programme.