Onuminya Innocent, Sokoto
In continuation of activities to mark this year Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day , the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto, on Monday offered free medical service to not less than 5,000 persons in Gidan Gabas, Dange/ Shuni Local Government of Sokoto State.
Speaking at the event, the General Officer Commanding the 8 Division and Commander Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma Maj Gen Ibikunke Ajose, said the initiative is in furtherance of Nigerian Army’s cooperate social responsibilities in bringing succour to the people.
General Ajose , who was represented by the Commander 8 Division, 78 Brigade Supply and Transport Brig Gen Ogbonnaya Igwe , described the gesture as part of the tradition of Nigerian Army and not just for the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
He explained that the medical team came with adequate drugs so that those that turned up for the exercise would be attended to, stressing that there is enough room to carter for those who came for the exercise .
Ajose said: “We decided to offer this service in rural areas where people needed it most he stated.
On his part, the Commandant of 8 Division Medical Hospital and Services, Brig Gen Austin Okafor , said the medical services covered testing and treatment of malaria, hypertension, visual and eye treatment, provision of eye glasses as well as dental services, diabetes screening and pediatric services.
Brig Gen Okafor noted that any major medical case that could not be handled would be referred to Army Hospital at Giginya Barrack, Sokoto, for proper attention and treatment.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Abubakar Maradun commended the benevolence of the Nigerian Army.
Abubakar appealed to the army to extend same to other communities in the state.
He enjoined the beneficiaries to conduct themselves in orderly manner to enable the medical personnel to attend to them on time.
He also implored the people to pray for the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede and entire Nigerian Army for spiritual and material enablement to carry out their responsibilities to the nation.
