Army offers free medical services to Agege residents in Lagos

No fewer than 500 residents of Agege in Lagos benefited from a free medical service offered by the Nigerian Army on Tuesday.

The free treatment was part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), held on July 6 of every year.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Peter Dauke, said the exercise was part of the army’s corporate social responsibility.

Dauke said that the outreach was to enhance the health status of Nigerians and improve the civil/military relationship.

“We decided to choose Agege because we wanted to reach out to the grassroots.

“It is better than going to the high breed area like ikoyi because these are the people who need it the most.

“We also chose this strategic point (Abattoir) because we know people will come to the market to buy meat and other things.

“It is also to admonish the common people to value their health.

“More so, security is not just about catching criminals or securing property, it is also about health security,” he said.

According to him, the army’s presence at the venue will also be a deterrent to criminals and criminal activities.

He said the outreach was used to render health talks, medical check-up and consultations, laboratory investigations, malaria and blood sugar tests and provide drugs.

“There will also be free blood pressure check, eye examination, issuance of free eye glasses as well as de-worming drugs for children and adults.

“Army medical experts will give public health talks on topical issues relating to HIV/AIDS, malaria, the environment, personal and oral hygiene.

“Drugs provided include pain relievers and multivitamins, among others.

“The medical team will also distribute treated mosquito nets to pregnant women and nursing mothers to protect them against mosquito bites,’’ he said.

Mr Umaru Hassan, a community leader in the area, expressed appreciation to the army for the gesture.

“I am impressed with what the army has brought to the community and I hope other corporate organisations will emulate this gesture.

“The army has shown a high level of civil-military relations with this gesture,’’ he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr Ibrahim Suleiman, disclosedthat he was happy for the gesture and prayed that the army would continue to succeed in its constitutional roles.

Also, Mr Deji Ayodele, who received free malaria drugs, thanked the army for the gesture.

Present at the medical outreach was the 9 Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Elias Attu and other senior officers.