Navy offers free medicare to over 500 persons in Tongeji Island

As part of activities lined up to mark its Diamond Jubilee anniversary, Naval authorities in charge of the Western Naval Command  have provided  free medical treatment to over 500 residents of oil rich Tongeji Island in Ipokia West Local Government Area of Ogun State. The move may not be unconnected to the plans by the […]

As part of activities lined up to mark its Diamond Jubilee anniversary, Naval authorities in charge of the Western Naval Command  have provided  free medical treatment to over 500 residents of oil rich Tongeji Island in Ipokia West Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The move may not be unconnected to the plans by the Federal Government to have an increased military presence in the area following alleged plans by Beninois to take over the Island.
The Ogun State government had recently announced that it has discovered large crude oil deposit at Tongeji Island.
The Nigerian Navy Medical Corps led by Surgeon Commodore, Mercy Ekanem-Nesiama also distributed over 1,000 treated mosquito nets to pregnant women and nursing mothers and offering free HIV test to the inhabitants as part of activities to mark its 60th anniversary.
Apart from the free medical treatment, a sanitation exercise was carried out by  naval officers,who cleared the bushes along the jetty and footpath.
Speaking at the event, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Ojo, Commodore, Surgeon Commodore Mercy Ekanem -Nesiama, who represented the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Feigusson Bobai, described the gesture as part of the navy’s corporate social responsibilities to its host communities.
“We are not only here to extend our hands of friendship to the communities that live with us, we are also here to offer you security and protection from any external aggresion. This is a yearly event and what you are witnessing today is part of the series of event lined up to celebrate our 60th anniversary.
“We are grateful to the Oba of Tongeli who is our host and members of the community for what they have been doing in terms of support and sharing information. These are for the betterment of security within the community. We feel highly honoured to serve our community,” he said.
The Oba of Tongeji, Oba Biolorunkosi Okiki, who was full of appreciation urged the Federal Government to help upgrade the only available medical centre in the area to a full fledge hospital.
According to him, the only medical hands they get once  in a while comes from the local government  headqaurters at Ikpokia, which is several kilometers away.
“We appreciate what the Navy is doing, we need more of this. Tongeji is part of Nigeria and we are Nigerians. Government should help us construct bridge linking us to other communities,” he added.