By Okosun Dennis
As part of the weeklong activities marking the Nigerian Army Day celebration 2021, the 9 Brigade Army Cantonment, Ikeja has conducted a free medical outreach to its host community, the Onigbongbo kingdom.
The medical outreach which was held at the Onigbongbo Palace square on Saturday, further strengthens the existing relationship between the Army and the host community.
Besides, it also shows that the outlook of the Army to the general public is not just tough-looking men and women bearing weapons but an organization which has a harmonious civil-military relationship.
Flagging off the community health programme, the Brigade Commander, Brig Gen. Lander Saraso commended the Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen. Farouk Yahaya and the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu for the honour and confidence reposed in them to serve in various capacities of the command.
He explained that, “I will also like to express our profound gratitude to our host community, the Onigbongbo community represented by His Royal Highness, Oluwasegun Isaac Ajasa and his chiefs. To all of our partners too numerous to mention, I want to say thank you for your support towards this year’s event.
“The essence of the medical outreach is part of the activities celebrating this year’s Nigerian Army Day celebration which is an annual event. This same exercise is being conducted in other places all over the federation. We held the Jumat prayers on Friday, today we as having medical outreach, tomorrow we will have an interdenominational service.
“On Monday, we would have a distribution of food palliative organized by Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association which will take place within the cantonment.”
The Brigade Commander further reiterated, “Onigbongbo is our immediate host community and we feel that charity begins at home and we need to have peace with our neighbours before we think of extending peace to other places.
“We are reaching as many persons as possible. They will be registered, routine checks will be conducted and drugs will be prescribed. Our hospital is open to those who may need further consultation or they may go hospitals of their choices.”
The Acting Commanding Officer of the 9 Brigade Medical Centre, Major NN Ani noted that “In line with the Army headquarters scheduled to celebrate the Army Day, 9 Brigade deemed it fit to reach out to our host community with this medical outreach so that they can reap the benefits of medical consultation and prompt treatment.
“This is to enhance positive health sensitization and particularly individual health awareness among the people. This will culminate in enhanced health consciousness in the Onigbongbo kingdom thereby making sure that we adhere to ‘a stitch in time saving nine.
On his part, the Oba of Onigbongbo kingdom, Oba Oluwasegun Adeyemi Ajasa remarked: “I will like to express our appreciation on behalf of the good people and the Council of Chiefs in Onigbongbo for counting this community worthy of this medical outreach.
“As we say health is wealth, I want to commend the organizers and pray that God will give you the wisdom to overcome all the security challenges in this nation. I use this opportunity to thank the Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Saraso and say our relationship with the cantonment is cordial.”
Alh. Tajudeen Irawo, Jagunmolu of Onigbongbo kingdom added: “they have been doing it for us and they are doing fine. It is one thing to organize programme, it’s another for people to come out. This is a testament to our love for peace. We are peaceful people, Onigbongbo is a peaceful area. We have a cordial relationship with the Nigerian Army.”
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/nadcel-2021-9-brigade-honours-onigbongbo-community-with-free-medical-assistance/
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