29 Battalion Partners NAOWA, Distributes Wheelchair and Crutches To Physically Challenged Persons

29 Battalion Partners NAOWA, Distributes Wheelchair and Crutches To Physically Challenged Persons

The 29 Battalion, Nigerian Army (NA), Port Harcourt Barracks, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 6 Division Chapter, conducted a medical outreach programme that positively impacted the lives of residents of Okoro-nu-Odo Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State and its environs. The outreach, held at the Community Secondary School Okoro-nu-Odo on 4 July 2025, led to the distribution of wheelchairs, crutches, various medical consumables, and the treatment of numerous illnesses, in commemoration of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, represented by the Chief of Staff, Headquarters 6 Division, Brigadier General Dawha Adamu, described the outreach as a deliberate and well-structured initiative reflecting the NA’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations and contributing meaningfully to community well-being.

The GOC, who was the Special Guest of Honour, explained that NADCEL is an annual event organized to commemorate the sacrifices and gallantry of NA troops, past and present while showcasing the Army’s enduring role in national development. He noted that a major highlight of the celebration is giving back to society through initiatives like medical outreach.

He further explained that the outreach was designed to serve a broad spectrum of communities within Obio/Akpor LGA spanning no fewer than nine communities with a special focus on public schools and vulnerable groups. He added that the initiative aligns with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, which emphasizes the discharge of the NA’s constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment, not only through inter-agency collaboration but also in close partnership with host communities.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of NAOWA 6 Division Chapter, Mrs Manfon Ejim-Emekah, congratulated the NA and noted that NADCEL is a moment of deep reflection to honour the sacrifice, service, and steadfast commitment of the men and women of the NA who dedicate their lives to the peace, security, and unity of the nation. She described the outreach as a profound demonstration of the NA’s enduring commitment not just to national defense, but also to the health and well-being of citizens. She emphasized that NAOWA stands in full support of the initiative and remains committed to complementing the NA through programmes that promote health, education, empowerment, and community development.

Earlier, the Commanding Officer (CO), 29 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Irinam Otogo, in his welcome remarks, stated that the outreach aimed to provide free healthcare services to the host communities and the people of Obio/Akpor LGA while promoting civil-military relations.

He emphasized that the initiative reflects the Army’s genuine desire to serve humanity beyond the battlefield demonstrating empathy, compassion, collaboration, and a community-centered approach, evident in the items distributed to physically challenged individuals and other services rendered. He noted that the outreach, which extended across several communities, is one of many civil-military projects initiated for NADCEL and serves as a gesture of goodwill and a reminder of the Army’s unwavering commitment to national service.

The CO also noted that Obio/Akpor is within the operational coverage of the 29 Battalion and has remained relatively peaceful and stable an achievement he attributed to the strong collaboration between the Army and the local communities. He urged residents of Okoro-nu-Odo to continue supporting security efforts by reporting suspicious activities.

Meanwhile, the paramount ruler, His Royal Highness Eze Allwell Owhonda, Clan Head of Rumokoro Community, commended the Nigerian Army for the initiative, stating that his people remain eternally grateful for the succour brought to their doorstep.

The medical outreach saw the distribution of several wheelchairs, crutches, and medical consumables, with over 800 beneficiaries receiving treatment for various ailments.