In furtherance of its commitment to enhanced civil-military relations, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Friday provided free health care services to over 200 Lagos Island residents.
The Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Air Vice Marshal Abdulganiyu Olabisi, who inaugurated the outreach, said the programme was part of activities to mark the 55th anniversary of NAF’s establishment in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the air arm of the Nigerian Armed Forces, was formally established on 18 April, 1964.
The establishment was with the passage of the Air Force Act 1964 by the then National Assembly.
NAN also reports that the AOC also paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.
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According to Olabisi, as part of the activities lined up to mark the occasion, we have decided to have a medical outreach, this year.
“Patients will be treated and when necessary, some people may still be referred to our medical unit for further checkups.
“Being a responsible corporate citizen, NAF pays special and particular attention to the relationship between the NAF and its host communities and that is the reason why we are here to show our appreciation.
“We are also here to thank the Oba for receiving us in his domain, this morning,’’ he said.
The representative of the Oba, Chief Obanikoro of Lagos, Adesoji Ajayi, welcomed NAF to the community, adding that the Oba would have been with them but was slightly indisposed.
“The Oba has given his assurances that his people are very peaceful and appreciates your coming here in remembrance of the NAF anniversary,’’ he said.
Ajayi, however, advised residents to use the opportunity of the medical outreach to check their health thoroughly and ensure that they were attended to accordingly.
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The AOC also said that the medical outreach was NAF’s way to show appreciation, as well as identify with the host communities, their neighbours and the general public.
NAN also reports that the medical outreach entailed free awareness campaign, as well as checking of blood and sugar levels of residents of its host communities.
Others are tests for malaria and hepatitis; oral and dental treatment, eye tests, and the provision of free drugs and glasses to those who needed them.
A beneficiary of the outreach, Mr Balikisu Saheed, appreciated the NAF medical team for the free drugs, and implored them to make it a regular exercise.
“I am most grateful and touched by this free medical outreach,’’ he said.
Another beneficiary, Mr Akeem Ganiyu, also appreciated NAF for the gesture, adding that it was one of the best memories of NAF to the entire community. (NAN)
