By Mukhtar Sani Saulawa, Gombe
Following the establishment of 203 Combat Reconnaissance Group Gombe, No fewer than 3000 indigent residents on Saturday benefitted from the medical outreach of Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar said the initiative is aimed at enhancing good civil-military relations between the NAF and host communities.
He stated this in Akko LGA, Gona emirate during a 2-Day Medical Outreach, which includes; health education, counseling, dental screening, free eyes tests and medicated glasses, screening for hypertension, basic laboratory screening and free drugs which include, anti-malaria, treated mosquitoes nets amongst other services.
Abubakar who was represented by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Special Operations Command (SOC), Air Vice Marshal Charles Ohwo, stated that the Nigerian Air Force, will continue to prioritize the provision of access to health care delivery and other humanitarian services to NAF host communities and internally displaced persons across the country.
“It is in line with this vision that the Nigerian Air Force is giving back to the good people of Gombe State. is aimed at enhancing good civil-military relations between the NAF and host communities.
“Over 3000 members of the community will benefit from the outreach which was designed primarily for the benefit of the people who might not be able to afford quality medical care,” he said.
On his part, the Gombe state Governor Inuwa Yahaya, who was represented by his Deputy Dr. Manassah Jatau, praised the initiative of the Medical Outreach in less than two months after the ground breaking ceremony of 203 combat reconnaissance Group (203 CRG) in the State, adding that it is evidence of remarkable strides the Nigerian Air Force continues to make in touching the hearts and minds of their host communities around the Country.
The governor appreciated the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his support in spite of the current economic realities of the Country in enhancing the operational readiness and welfare of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He said, “the host communities should avail themselves of the opportunity. I urge them to cooperate with the Air Force Authority to ensure that huge success is achieved.”
Also speaking the beneficiaries of the outreach, Bello Hassan, Village Head of Jalingo – Akko thanked the Air Force for the gesture which he described as timely considering the economic hardship following the covid-19 pandemic.
He said he received medication free of charge.
Malama Ribiatu Mohammed, resident of Lawanti community also thanked the Air Force for the gesture.
She added that siting of the Base in their community is a blessing because she knows they will benefit a lot.
Malam Musa Mudi of Lawanti community said, he recieved medical glasses and high blood pressure medication.
According to him, he was not aware that he had BP until today when he came for the free treatment. He commended the NAF for the gesture.
The Emir of Gona, Alhaji Umar Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, Lawanti District Head, Alhaji Lamido Abdulsalam, Heads of Districts and Villages, were amongst other dignitaries in attendance.
