More than 2,000 residents in Bayelsa State have received free healthcare services through a medical outreach organised by the Nigerian Navy as part of activities marking its 70th anniversary celebration.
The outreach was carried out on Friday by the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO in Beletieama Community, located in Brass Local Government Area of the state.
Beletieama is one of the host communities of FOB FORMOSO alongside Egweama and Liama communities, where the Navy has continued to promote stronger ties with residents through humanitarian interventions and community development initiatives.
During the exercise, residents benefited from free medical consultations, routine health screenings, medications, health awareness sessions, insecticide-treated mosquito nets and medicated eyeglasses.
Speaking during the programme, the Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO, Captain Sunday Haruna, said the initiative was aimed at strengthening civil-military relations while improving the wellbeing of residents in the host communities.
He explained that access to healthcare remains important to community growth and development.
“We decided to organise this free medical outreach because a healthy community is a productive and resilient one,” he said.
“When people are healthy, they are better positioned to engage in meaningful activities that support peace, development and economic progress.”
Haruna appreciated residents for participating in the exercise and noted that the Navy remained committed to supporting communities through programmes capable of improving living conditions.
He added that the outreach was conducted under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, with the goal of ensuring that thousands of residents benefit from the anniversary activities.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for the intervention.
Chief Darius Amalanyo described the outreach as timely and impactful, noting that many residents were able to access medical tests and medications free of charge.
Another resident, Grace Biolagha, praised the Navy for extending the programme to Beletieama Community, adding that the gesture would further strengthen the relationship between residents and security personnel in the area.
Community members said the initiative brought relief to many families who may not have been able to afford basic healthcare services amid current economic challenges.