By Johnson Eyiangho
The Army on Wednesday offered free medical services to over 500 residents of Kpaduma in Guzape District of the FCT, as part of activities to mark its 2017 day celebration.
Also, the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) donated four wheel chair, two stretchers, a stethoscope, antiseptics, blankets and other items to the Mararaba Medical centre in Nasarawa State on Wednesday.
The Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) is marked on July 6 of every year.
Speaking during the outreach, Maj.-Gen. Nuhu Angbazo, the Chief of Military/Civil Affairs, said the gesture was to touch the lives of the people apart from assisting civil authority to ensure their security.
“We believe that apart from the kinetic operations, our operations against the Boko Haram in the North-East, we also think it is necessary that we touch the citizens’ live to let them know that we are part of them.
“This is the little we can contribute to enhance their well being,’’ Angbazo said.
The Chief of Kpaduma, Chief Bitrus Yakubu, thanked the army for the gesture and pleaded with them to extend it by one day.
Paul Eni, one of the medical personnel who attended to the people, said that common ailment among them were malaria, hypertension and worm infestation.
Mrs Zainab Garba, who represented the wife of the Chief of Army Staff, Mrs Ummah Buratai, at the donation, said that the centre was chosen for the gesture because Mararaba is densely populated.
“If you look at Abuja in general, Mararaba is highly populated.
“The people require such a little assistance that will go a long way in addressing their health needs, and this hospital being located here serves so many people. That is why we chose this centre,’’ she said.
Responding, the Medical Superintendent of the centre, Dr Nzute Malachi, thanked NAOWA for the donation.
Malachi said that the donated items would go a long in addressing some of the challenges the centre had in the areas of medical equipment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration will be rounded off on Thursday with a seminar and presentation of award to some officers and soldiers for their outstanding performances. (NAN)
