A total of 317 residents of the Amechi-Uno community in Enugu South Local Government Area have received free medical services during a comprehensive outreach organized by the Defence Headquarters on Thursday.
The initiative offered a wide range of services including health and dietary education, free blood sugar and blood pressure screenings, medical consultations, eye tests, treatment and distribution of eyeglasses, dental check-ups, and free medications.
In addition, nursing mothers and pregnant women received insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
As part of the event, two physically challenged individuals from the community were each presented with a wheelchair.
The symbolic presentation was made on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, who was represented by AVM Olushola Akinboyewa, a Director of Civil-Military Relations.
Gen. Musa, through his representative, reiterated the military’s commitment to non-combat interventions aimed at improving civilian welfare.
According to him, “We are not only winning all forms of insurgency and terrorism but we are winning the hearts of our people and letting them see the depth and sacrifice we can make for their security and sound health.”
He emphasized that, “The Nigerian military is committed to the health and general well-being of the people.”
“The defence headquarters is here due to our core values of being in the forefront of humanitarian services and we are here to strengthen our relationship with our people especially the residents of Enugu State,” he added.
Explaining the long-term impact of the outreach, Gen. Musa noted, “The outreach will meet the immediate health needs and condition of the community people and will help them in the long run as they have learnt how to take care of themselves through medical health and dietary talk.”
He further stressed the importance of a healthy population, saying, “The health of Nigerians remained priceless as a healthy people and nation is a wealth people and nation.”
He also reassured attendees that “all the medical services, consumables, drugs and insecticide-treated nets are free; and free referral to 82 Division Hospital.”
Speaking on the community’s health profile, Lt.-Col. Adeyemi Abolade, Acting Commander of the 82 Division Medical Services and Hospital in Enugu, highlighted that the most common ailments diagnosed were upper respiratory tract infections and malaria.
Abolade, who led the medical team for the outreach, said residents had also been educated on preventive health practices.
“The community members had been sensitised on need to sleep under insecticide-treated nets, eat balanced diet and take enough water each day,” he said.
The traditional ruler of Amechi-Uno, Igwe Daniel Nnamani, expressed deep gratitude to the Defence Headquarters for the initiative.
He said, “As you are winning ill-health among my people; you will win all security challenges facing the country.”
He also offered prayers for divine protection and success for the military personnel involved.
Enugu South LGA Chairman, Chief Caleb Ani, also commended the Defence Headquarters and 82 Division for their efforts in bolstering both health and security in the area.
He noted that the outreach was the second of its kind in just a month. “Indeed, God has favoured my council area through the military,” he said.
In appreciation, Ani presented a plaque to Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 82 Division and Force Commander of Operation UDO KA.
One of the recipients of the wheelchairs, Ma Chinelo Ogbodo, shared her appreciation, saying, “The wheelchair will definitely aid my movement and assist me to move around like others.”
