The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) SOROH recently organized a free education and medical outreach for the residents of Diebu, a community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. The initiative aimed to promote cooperation and strengthen the bond between the navy and its host communities. Commodore Nanmar Lakan, the commander of NNS SOROH, explained that the outreach was part of the navy’s broader strategy to engage with civilians and foster better relationships.
Speaking during the event on Saturday in Diebu, Commodore Lakan emphasized that the outreach was an aspect of the navy’s corporate social responsibility. He stated that while the primary role of the navy is to protect the nation’s territorial waters and assets, it also holds a significant responsibility toward supporting the welfare of the communities it serves. Through these efforts, the navy aims to assist with both health and education, which are vital components of societal growth.
Commodore Lakan highlighted that the navy’s initiatives go beyond traditional military operations. These non-kinetic activities, such as the free education and medical outreach, are essential to building trust and goodwill between the military and civilians. “This outreach aligns with the strategic directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla,” he said, underscoring the importance of maintaining strong civil-military relations.
The choice of Diebu for this outreach, according to the commander, was influenced by the community’s rich history of producing leaders who have served the nation in various capacities. The outreach program was seen as an opportunity to give back to a community that has contributed significantly to national development. The Nigerian Navy hopes that this initiative will have a lasting positive impact on the people of Diebu, particularly in the areas of health and education.
Commodore Lakan stressed the importance of education as a tool for personal and societal development. “Education is key to unlocking opportunities,” he stated, urging the community to embrace the resources provided. He also spoke about the importance of good health in achieving productivity, noting that access to quality healthcare remains a challenge for many communities across the country. The outreach was designed to address some of these healthcare gaps by providing basic medical services to the residents of Diebu.
During the outreach, residents received free medical check-ups, treatment, and medications. In addition, educational materials were distributed to children, emphasizing the navy’s commitment to supporting both health and educational development. This dual-focus approach was seen as a way to empower the community holistically, addressing both immediate healthcare needs and long-term educational goals.
The community warmly welcomed the initiative, with many residents showing their appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for its efforts. Commodore Lakan expressed gratitude to the residents for their hospitality and assured them of the navy’s ongoing support. He emphasized the navy’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the people of Southern Ijaw and stated that they would continue to provide various forms of assistance to enhance the community’s well-being.
In conclusion, the outreach in Diebu is part of the Nigerian Navy’s broader goal to engage meaningfully with the communities they serve. By addressing key issues like education and healthcare, the navy hopes to contribute to the long-term development of these areas, enhancing the overall quality of life for the people.
