The Central Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy on Thursday called for continuous support from community leaders to eradicate maritime crimes in the Niger Delta waterways.
Rear Admiral Saidu Garba, Flag Officer, Commanding the Central Naval Command, made the call in Koluama 2, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Navy offered free medical services to residents of the communities.
Garba, who was represented by Rear Admiral Solomon Agada, Chief Staff Officer, Central Naval Command said that a crime-free waterway would foster socio-economic development of the communities.
He said that the medical services as part of its end of year activities and a strategy of giving back to the host communities.
He said the exercise would further cement the cordial relationship that existed between the personnel and host communities.
”The Central Naval Command choose to bring the service to Koluama communities, the host of our Naval outpost due to its strategic importance to the Command’s operations.
”The exercise is also for the security of waterways and to demonstrate the commitment of the Chief of the Naval Staff and the command’s effort at sustaining a harmonious relationship with host communities of Koluama.
“The exercise will provide an avenue to sensitise members of the communities on topical health issues as well as offer free medical consultation,’” he said.
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The flag officer said that the treatment and other medical activities would have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the people.
The traditional ruler of the community, Amakoeo Osaisai, commended the Navy for the gesture, adding that the community has no functional health care centre or hospital.
According to Osaisai, people travel to Yenagoa, which is a distance of about 3 hours on flying boat, to access medical services.
He called on other agencies, state and federal government to come to the aid of the community by providing functional hospital as well as doctors and nurses.
NAN reports that indigenes of Koluama 1 and 2 communities in Fishtown, came out in their numbers to receive the free medical services.
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