Navy Marks 68th Anniversary As Over 3000 Cross Riverians Benefits From Medical Rhapsody

By Ndifereke BASSEY 

The Nigerian Navy has marked its 68th anniversary with over 3000 residents of Ikot Ishie community in Calabar Municipality Local Government Area of Cross River on Monday benefiting from the annual Navy Medical Rhapsody.

The Medical Rhapsody also mark the 2024 Navy week celebration across the country. The Medical outreach was carried out by the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Calabar.

The Flag Officer Commanding Commanding (FOC) of the ENC, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, said the Rhapsody was as a result of the need to reach out to the community and to ensure continual and healthy relationship between the Navy and their host community.

Represented by Capt. Simon Ocholi, Chief Medical Officer of the ENC, Akinwande also noted that the Rhapsody is also the need to improve on public health, particularly the undeserved community.

According to him, "this Rhapsody is to contribute to the community as part of our Community Social Responsibility (CSR) through the provision of preventive services, screening and health education.

"In doing this, we are helping to ensure early detection and prevention of disease and also bridging the gap in health access and promoting public health."

In his address Chief Effiong Okon Effiong, Chairman of Ikot Ishie Council,  commended the Navy for the medical outreach and solicited for more partnership that will ensure the wellbeing of the community.

He promised continued support for the security Agency for them to be effective in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.