People Are Desirous To Have Good Healthcare — King Felix Otuwarikpo Says As Headquarters 6 Division, NAOWA Brings Succor To Rivers Community

People Are Desirous To Have Good Healthcare — King Felix Otuwarikpo Says As Headquarters 6 Division, NAOWA Brings Succor To Rivers Community

In commemoration of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA) in conjunction with the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 6 Division Chapter has brought free medical succour to the good people of the Upata Kingdom in Edeoha, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State. The medical outreach was part of the activities lined up to mark the NADCEL 2024.

Speaking during the flag off, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Jamal Abdussalam said Upata Kingdom was carefully selected for the outreach, in order to give back a little to the people for all their support in the past years. This, he further said will cement the bond of friendship that exists between 6 Division and the Kingdom.

The GOC who was represented by the Commander, 6 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Eddet Effiong stated that the free medical outreach was part of non-kinetic approach employed by the military to discharge its responsibilities in achieving the desired end state.

He reiterated that in overcoming the security challenges in the nation, the NA has embraced the concept of whole of society approach and synergized with host communities. He added that the medical outreach which was conceived out of humanity, will serve as a unifying power to get to the people to embrace peace.

Furthermore, Major General Jamal reaffirmed that the NA will continue to do everything humanly possible to protect the citizens from militancy, sabotage and all forms of criminalities for socio economic activities to thrive. He added that the ability of the NA to protect the citizens largely depends on the level of assistance the people render by providing actionable and timely information on bad elements residing amongst them.

Wihile marking her remarks, the Chairperson, NAOWA 6 Division Chapter, Mrs Maryam Abdussalam called on Nigerians, especially the people of Upata Kingdom to reaffirm their support for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly the NA in any way they deserve, to enable them continue to play their roles professionally.

Mrs Abdussalam made the call through her representative, Mrs Lauratu Umar, who said it is human to support the officers and men of the NA in all manners. This is because they are always at the forefront, safeguarding the nation, securing and defending the freedom of the citizens.

She further maintained that their sacrifices are so immense, as evident in bringing healthcare professionals to provide care to the people of Upata through free medical outreach. She congratulated the officers and men of the NA on the occasion of the NADCEL and urged the people of Upata to embrace the gesture extended to them with good heart.

In his goodwill massage, the royal father of Upata Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr) Newton Felix Otuwarikpo appreciated the GOC and his team for bringing healthcare services to his people, at a time they needed it most.

He added that it is a very big succour to them, affirming that Upata Kingdom was in dare need of healthcare services to the extent that some resorted to herbal and local treatment, especially the aged.

He reassured the GOC of the community’s continued support, stressing that his people have turned a new leaf and imbibed peace, since 2019, when the bad elements laid down their arms wholeheartedly in amnesty.

He also informed the GOC that his people are desirous to have a military base domiciled in their Kingdom. On the other hand, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Ureh, who was represented by Dr Vincent Wachukwu applauded the GOC and the NA at large for such a remarkable gesture.

The outreach had over 745 people treated of various ailments, 220 glasses distributed and
36 Eye related treatments conducted. It attracted people from various communities across Upata Kingdom and beyond.