The Nigerian Navy has, for the first time, fully taken up the medical bills of patients and committed to their complete recovery as part of a free medical outreach in Fish Town Community of Koluama II, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The outreach, themed “Medical Rhapsody,” was carried out by the Naval Outpost Koluama II under the Central Naval Command in commemoration of the Navy’s 69th Anniversary. Going beyond routine medical intervention, the Nigerian Navy’s medical team provided free consultations, blood pressure screenings, essential medications, and, most notably, pledged follow-up care for patients, ensuring they receive comprehensive treatment until full recovery, with beneficiaries ranging from the elderly to pregnant women, children, and youths.
Commander Ado Yalo Ibrahim, Commander of the Naval Outpost Koluama II, described the outreach as a bold step in aligning the Navy’s core values of discipline, professionalism, and compassion with the welfare of its host communities. “This is not just another medical outreach. For the first time, we are assuming full responsibility of ten person’s for the health and recovery of the patients we have attended to. Every bill is on us, and we will follow up until they are well. Four out of the selected ten have been taken care of already, while the remaining six will undergo some intensive medical treatment, and the Base is already handling everything. That is our promise,” he said.
The outreach was supported by the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral AA Gaya, and the Commander of NNS Soroh, Commodore AO Akinbami. Commander Ibrahim also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the medical team and thanked the Fish Town community for their warm reception and participation.
“This initiative reflects the Navy’s evolving role in national development. While we remain steadfast in protecting our maritime domain, we are equally committed to nation-building through community support,” Ibrahim added.
The event not only addressed critical healthcare gaps in the remote coastal community but also underscored the Navy’s shift towards a more integrated approach to security, one that prioritises the health and well-being of the very people it serves.
In line with the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla’s Strategic Directive 06-23, the outreach highlights the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to building trust and fostering closer ties with local populations through impactful, people-centred programmes.
As part of the Navy’s 69th Anniversary celebrations, “Medical Rhapsody” added a compassionate dimension to its commemorative activities, reaffirming that service to the nation extends beyond the sea and into the hearts of its communities.
