By Amos Odeh
The Joint Task Force (JTF) protecting oil facilities in the Niger Delta has embarked on free medical services to its host community, Igbogene, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
Flagging off the event, Rear Adm. Akinjide Akinrinade, the Commander of the joint military force, said that the gesture was part of efforts to cement the existing cordial relationship between the force and the residents.
“This medical outreach is part of Force Civil-Military activities. The medical rhapsody and health awareness campaign is aimed at improving the health of the populace.
“The outreach is also aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the locals to foster cordial relationship.
“Consequently, the outreach would feature health education, eye screening, blood pressure checks as well as tests for HIV, hepatitis, random blood sugar and malaria, among others, ” he said.
Akinrinade commended the community for providing a peaceful operational environment for the headquarters of the military outfit.
“The medical outreach is an opportunity to appreciate the good people of Igbogene community for their hospitality support and creating a peaceful and conducive environments for JTF’s operation,” he said.
Thousands of residents turned up for the exercise at Igbogene town hall and took turns to receive medical attention.
Eleven-year-old Hope Bob who benefitted from the exercise said that he was very happy about the friendly and quality attention he got from the medical team.
Chief Hope Adike, the Paramount Ruler of Igbogene, on behalf of his subjects, expressed appreciation to the military for the gesture.
“We are indeed very happy that the joint task force is showing us care, especially this season of Christmas.
“The relocation of the JTF headquarters to Igbogene has brought peace to our place and our place is now very secure.
“Our bond of friendship with the military is growing stronger and it is paving way for development of our area,” Adike said.
The JTF commander, along with the Unit Commanders, visited an orphanage in the area and donated food items, including provisions and confectioneries, to enable the inmates to celebrate Christmas.
Receiving the items, Mrs Joy Ozei, who runs the home, Daisy Orphanage, said that it cared for children with medical disorders, adding they the centre had enjoyed the support of the military.
Ozei said that the staff and the inmates of the orphanage relied on voluntary support of public-spirited individuals, and urged the JTF to visit the home frequently.
She said that the specialised care provided at the centre had helped in rehabilitating and giving hope to the children many of whom were educated and given vocational skills.