July 03, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Army is holding an elaborate medical outreach programme as part of a series of activities and engagements, to commemorate 161 years of its existence and professional operation and the Nigeria Army Day Celebration, 2024.
Being conducted in all 36 states of the country, the Plateau State medical outreach is held at the University of Jos Primary School Football Field, Angwan Rogo, Jos.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, who declared the week-long Medicare grand slam open as the special guest of honour, was represented at the occasion by the Chief of Administration, Army, Major General O. J. Akpor.
In his remarks before a guided tour of the medical outreach area, the Acting Commander of the Corps of Medical, Brig General S. O. Okoigi noted that “the Nigeria Army Day Celebration, NADCEL, is a very remarkable and special event in the Nigerian Army”, and emphasised that “this year’s NADCEL, with the theme ‘Transforming the Nigerian Army: imperative for combating contemporary security Challenges within a joint environment’ is particularly special due to the prevailing circumstances the annual event is holding”.
Brig General Okoigi said further that this particular “medical outreach is part of the programmes lined up for NADCEL2024,” and pointed out that “it is taking place simultaneously in all formations and units of the Nigerian Army”.
According to him, “The Nigerian Army has a very long history of providing good medical care to the Nigerian populace both in peacetime and in times of conflict. Our medical personnel have been instrumental in the successful resolution of various military operations and have played a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of troops and civilians in our operating environment.”
He also explained that “this medical outreach is aimed at providing much needed medical care and attention to the good people of Angwan Rogo and its environs”, and noted that “The outreach will provide primary health care services which include free medical consultations, dental care, nursing services, laboratory investigation and screening, drugs dispensing, HIV screening and counselling services, eye tests with free prescription glasses and many more”.
He stated that the Nigerian army had to make this range of services available in this programme because “We understand that access to medical care can be a challenge for many Nigerians and we are committed to addressing the challenges by providing high-quality medical services to those who need them at this venue.
The Chief of Army Staff of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by the Chief of Administration, Army, Maj General O. J. Apor, said the Nigerian Army is a responsible organisation that is concerned with the overall security and safety of Nigerians.
A highlight of the occasion was the symbolic presentation of wheelchairs and crutches as some of the recipients wept and shed tears of appreciation.
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