Nigeria @ 66: NAS reaffirms commitment to health sector, targets 1,000 in Rivers

The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to the well-being of Nigerians through sustained support for the healthcare sector.

The association demonstrated the resolve during a free medical outreach, organised by Olympus Marino Deck, in collaboration with Barracuda X, Aquamella X, and Oxbow Marino Decks in Opobo Town, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The event, tagged: ‘Health for All: Bridging the Gap in Opobo’, marked the sixth edition of the association’s signature October 1 Medical Outreach.

Capoon of Olympus Marino Deck, Ateli Biambo, noted that the project aimed to leave a positive footprint on underserved grassroots communities. He added that past editions of the outreach were held in Buguma, Degema, Ahoada West, Etche, and Kono.

He explained that Opobo was specifically chosen to support residents, following the coronation of their monarch, King Charles MacPepple Jaja.

Expecting residents to experience physical fatigue from regattas and festivities, the team brought care directly to them.

Palace officials visited the venue, endorsed the initiative, and received treatment for ailments such as waist, leg, and eye pain. The outreach covered optometry, dentistry, pharmacy, and general medicine, and targeted 1,000 residents. Over 150 patients were treated within the first hour.

Representative of the Amanyanabo of Opobo, Chief Chamberlain Todd Peterside, described the outreach as an immense relief, given high medication costs. Emergency and environmental health physician, Dr. Atama Valentine, added that the mission was geared towards complementing government efforts by identifying community health gaps.

Common issues diagnosed included hypertensive heart disease, visual impairment, malaria, and parasitic infections. Home visits were also organised for critically ill residents.

President of Barracuda X Deck, Kingsley Ikeokwu, emphasised that the collaboration reflected unity. He recalled a moving moment when a woman shed tears of joy after receiving free prescription glasses.

The NAS Area Five Supervisor, Eke Chinedu, covering Rivers and Bayelsa States, added that the free medical mission, alongside street children support, remains a core humanitarian intervention designed to bridge critical healthcare gaps.

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