Personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta on Thursday launched a two-day free medical outreach for residents of Okerenkoko, a coastal community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Despite heavy rainfall, residents from Okerenkoko and neighboring communities within the Gbaramatu Kingdom turned out in large numbers at the community hall to receive various medical services. Beneficiaries of the outreach cut across age groups, genders, and ethnic backgrounds, underscoring the wide reach and inclusive nature of the initiative.
Speaking to journalists at the event, the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Abdulazeez Zubairu, represented by the Executive Officer, Navy Captain Ayi Archibong, stated that the free medical mission, which began on Thursday and will conclude on Friday, is part of the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts toward its host communities.
Captain Archibong noted that the outreach was also aligned with the strategic directive of Operation Delta Sanity II, as ordered by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.
“While our core mandate is to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity within the maritime environment, we are also committed to building meaningful and lasting relationships with our host communities,” Archibong said.
He emphasized that the Navy sees community engagement—especially in health, education, and civil support—as essential to maintaining peace, trust, and cooperation in regions where naval operations are conducted.
The outreach featured a range of services, including medical consultations, drug dispensation, vital sign checks, malaria and blood pressure screenings, as well as health education and counseling. All services were provided completely free of charge.
Community leaders expressed appreciation for the gesture, commending the Navy for reaching out to riverine populations that often face challenges in accessing quality healthcare.
This outreach initiative further reflects the Nigerian Navy’s dual focus: ensuring maritime security while fostering positive civilian-military relations, especially in the Niger Delta region, where the Navy maintains a strong operational presence.
As the program concludes on Friday, hundreds more residents are expected to benefit from the second day of the medical exercise.
