By Ibrahim Adamu, Kaduna
Nigerian Army has reached out to a Kaduna Community with free medical services as part of activities marking 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The outreach held at Katabu Maraban Jos in Igabi Local Government of Kaduna State was organized to providing needed primary healthcare and attention to individuals suffering from ailments but could not afford to go to the hospital.
Beneficiaries from Maraban Jos and environs were diagnosed and given free medical services for malaria, dental and eye care, blood pressure, deworming among others.
Free wheelchairs, crutches and wheel cycles were also given to people with disabilities to make movement easy for them from one place to another.
In his welcome address, Acting Commander Nigerian Army Medical Corps Brig. General Samson Okoigi said the Nigerian Army in its 162 years of existence in the country had taken seriously the security and health needs of citizens both military and civilians.
He underscored the importance of sound health in ensuring a productive population for growth and development of the society.
“The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is a very remarkable and special event in the Nigerian Army with the theme ‘Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for the Nigerian Army’s Transformative Drive,’ is particularly special due to the prevailing circumstances under which the annual event would hold.
“This Medical Outreach is part of the programmes taking place simultaneously across the nation in all formations and units of the Nigerian Army.
“The Nigerian Army has a long history of providing good medical care to the Nigerian populace both in peace time and in conflict. Our medical personnel have been instrumental in the successful resolution of various military operations and have played crucial role in ensuring the wellbeing of troops and winning the hearts and minds of civilians in our operating environment.
“As we celebrate Nigerian Army Day 2025, we recognize the importance of teamwork, dedication and sacrifice in achieving goals.I would like to appreciate the Chief of Army Staff for funding and making this outreach possible,” he stressed.
In his remarks, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff Lt.Gen.Olufemi Oluyede, while emphasizing the imperative of good health in maintaining a viable population capable of contributing in nation building, he enjoined people of the catchment area to make use of the opportunity by presenting themselves for medical consultations, diagnosis and treatment.
Oluyede reiterated the commitment of the Army to ensure the protection of the nation’s territorial integrity and fight against insurgency and banditry.
The Army Chief, represented by the Service Chief of Administration Maj.Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu stated that the medical scheme was made flexible for easy access for beneficiaries, especially low income earners and less privileged members of the society.
District head of Rigachukun Murtala Muhammad commended the army for the kind gesture of extending free health services to the people of the community, pledging the cooperation of his community to security agency by providing useful information.
Hauwa Adamu, a disabled beneficiary of crutches expressed her joy over the gift of what she described as her new legs.
Hamisu Lawal, a wheelchair beneficiary commended the COAS for his timely intervention to assist people living with disabilities by providing walking aid for them.
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