By; Emma Arubi, Warri
Indigenes of Burutu Community in Delta State have commended the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Delta, Warri, for executing the first ever free medical outreach in the history of their existence in the community that formerly hosted the now comatose Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) in the riverine axis of the state.
Chairman of the Community,Mr.Patrick Binibai gave the commendation, Friday at Burutu when NNS, Delta took its Medical Rhapsody to the indigenes of Burutu. He stated that the free medical exercise is not only a welcome exercise that will enhance the health and well-being of the people but will also go a long way to cement the cordial relationship that existed between the Navy and the Burutu Community, noting that, it will further enhance the peace and security in the local government area.
According to him, “this is the first time any external body will ever render free medical services to the indigenes of the Burutu Community and requested the Navy to endeavor to make it a yearly programme”, saying that “although there is a government hospital in Burutu, it however, lacks medical personnel and Doctors to run it effectively”.
Earlier in his speech at the event, the NSS Delta Commander, Commodore, MY Abba said the exercise is part of the humanitarian programmes of the Nigerian Navy to engage Nigerian citizens in line with the Chief of Naval staff strategic guidance to see to the health nature of the Burutu people and dispense medication and consultancy with regard to various ailments.
According to him, “Soldiers are not meant just to fight wars. We also engage in three (3) block war which includes humanitarian assistance and peace keeping globally. This humanitarian exercise being executed here today has to do with improving the relationship with the Navy in this community. It’s part of our corporate social responsibility. We want the citizens to know that the military is not their enemy and adversary. We are here to serve the people and their well-being is always our concern and this is the essence of this whole exercise.”
He thanked the people for their warm reception of the NSS Delta team and admonished them to always take their health very seriously by ensuring that, they do regular checkups of their status just as he charged them to reach out to the Navy in Warri in case of serious medical challenges for further assistance.
The event was witnessed by the Burutu Council Chairman, Chiefs,Youth Leaders, aged parents and others who were given free treatment for malaria and other diagnosed ailments including eye-glasses for those with eye related problems.