The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has provided free medical outreach for no fewer than 1000 vulnerable people in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, BusinessDay has learnt.
Speaking during the event, Caleb Olayera, Air Commodore and Commander, 105 Composite Group NAF Base, Maiduguri, said the outreach, which is part of activities lined up to mark the 60th Anniversary of the NAF, covered children, pregnant women and the elderly in Gomari Community the suburbs of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
He said Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff, committed to transforming the NAF into an agile and resilient Force to effectively meet the air-power demand of national security in all operational units in the Country.
He added that the NAF in its efforts to combating terrorism had engaged in non-kinetic approach to win the heart and minds of the citizens
“Not fewer than 1,000 persons were treated for malaria, diabetes, hypertension, typhoid fever and ulcer. We also provided free dental treatment, health talk on personal hygiene, environmental sanitation, as well as the distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets to expectant mothers.
“The medical outreach is a form of NAF corporate social responsibility. We believe that it would strengthen the cooperation and bond between the host community and the NAF Base Maiduguri.”Olayera stated.
Olayera noted that children have been dewormed and free eye tests and glasses were provided for elderly people after cross-examination by the medical team, while blood sugar tests were also conducted on the beneficiaries.
Earlier, Bulama Alhaji Kolo, Ward Head of Ngomari Community, appreciated the Nigeria Air Force for the kind gesture, saying those who benefited were mostly vulnerable people and victims of insurgency conflicts.
He said that the gesture was an indication that there would be m a good relationship between the Civilians and the Military, adding that with the current economic situation in the Country, the gesture would surely reduce the burden already overstretched people in the communities.
