Navy takes free medical services to coastal communities in Bayelsa

The Central Naval Command (CNC) at the weekend extended its monthly medical outreach to rural coastal communities in Bayelsa as part of its effort to promote cordial relationship with the communities where it operates. A medical team comprising doctors, pharmacists, ophthalmologists and other medical professionals provided a full day service at Otua community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area. Speaking at a brief opening ceremony, Rear Admiral Mohammed Garba, Flag Officer Commanding, (FOC), CNC said that the free medical programme would henceforth focus on rural communities in Bayelsa that lacks access to health services. He said that the Command remained committed to building mutual cordial relationships with host communities by providing humanitarian services to the people. He urged the people to support the Navy in its effort to stamp out oil theft and prevent sabotage on oil installations and crude oil bearing pipelines within their communities. Also, Chief Thomas Lokoson, a retired Rear Adminal who hails from the area, urged the people to desist from oil theft and pipeline vandalism as this resulted to self inflicted adverse consequences that were avoidable. He noted that oil leaks and spills resulting from pipeline breach by oil thieves pollutes the waterways and farm lands and threaten the source of livelihood of the communities. He regretted that the funds that would have been channeled to development were deployed in clean-up exercises to solve environmental problems occasioned by such illegal activities. In a response, Chief Edward Tokpo, traditional ruler of Otua community, applauded the Navy for the gesture and noted that it was the first such programme in his over 40 years reign in the area. He pledged the cooperation and support of the community to the Navy units operations to secure oil facilities and the coastal communities.