Joy Anyim
The Nigerian Army, on Thursday, conducted free medical outreach and the distribution of free books and writing materials to residents of Isawo community in Ikorodu, a suburb in Lagos.
Flagging off the outreach, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Sani Yusuf, said it was part of the activities lined up for the Exercise Egwu-Eke III (PYTHON DANCE III).
According to the GOC, the outreach was expected to cover the host community in 81 Division Area of Responsibility, saying it would feature free consultation, diagnosis, dispensing of medications as well as distribution of free books, pencils and erasers to over 300 pupils of Anglican Primary School in Ikorodu.
Gen. Yusuf noted that the exercise was also a way of promoting a civil-military relation in order to effectively tackle security issues in the area.
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“The free medical outreach will feature free consultation, diagnosis, and dispensing of medications.
“Also to be distributed are free books and writing materials to pupils and students. This is to endear the hearts and mind of various host communities,” the GOC said.
Some beneficiaries of the medical outreach applauded the Nigerian Army for their effort calling for it to be sustained.
The Chairman, Road Working Committee, Agric-Arepo, Alhaji Adisa Owolabi, who also benefited from the outreach said, “ Isawo was held hostage by militants before but today the Army through Egwu-Eke III has restored security in the area.
“They also care about our health and that is why they are doing this. For me this outreach is a plus and should be sustained.”
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An 83-year-old retired Army personnel, Yemi Arowolo said, “During my 27 years of service in the Nigerian Army, there was nothing like this. This is a new system and it should continue.”
The Assistant Head Teacher of Anglican Primary School in the community, Tijani Ganiyat, appreciated the Nigeria Army saying, “We are happy and will recommend that other forces emulate the Nigerian Army.
Recall that the Exercise “Egwu Eke III (PYTHON DANCE III) was flagged off in Lagos recently by the Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.
