The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, on Wednesday inaugurated a healthcare facility in Lekki to strengthen civil-military relations.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the facility comprises a dental clinic and a heart-to-heart centre at Ikate Primary Healthcare Centre, Elegushi.
Abbas said the project was also executed to honour retired Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira for his meritorious service to the nation.
The CNS, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Apapa, inaugurated the facility at Ikate-Elegushi, Lekki.
He said the project was implemented under the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme.
According to him, the scheme addresses critical community needs while strengthening relationships between the Nigerian Navy and communities.
“Essentially, the CNS Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme seeks to address critical community needs while fostering stronger bonds between the Armed Forces and the people we serve,” he said.
Abbas said improved oral healthcare, antiretroviral therapy and counselling would contribute to the socioeconomic development and wellbeing of residents.
He urged beneficiaries to protect and maintain the facility to ensure its sustainability for future generations.
The CNS commended Ferreira for identifying the healthcare needs of the community and using the intervention scheme to provide relief to residents.
“Ferreira’s vision, dedication and commitment to community development are clearly reflected in the successful execution of this project,” Abbas said.
He appreciated the Lagos State Government, the Oba of Elegushi Kingdom, Eti-Osa Local Government Area and other stakeholders for supporting the project.
Abbas assured communities across the country that the Nigerian Navy would continue supporting initiatives promoting peace, security, social cohesion and national development.
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Adviser on Health, Dr Olukemi Ogunyemi, said healthcare improvement involved ensuring easy access to services.
Sanwo-Olu said the dental clinic would enable residents to access oral healthcare within their community without travelling long distances.
“Dental health is an important part of our overall well-being, and having this service within the community will make it easier for people to seek attention early,” he said.
He commended the Nigerian Navy for the intervention, describing it as an example of what institutional partnership could achieve.
The governor urged the facility’s management and healthcare workers to maintain the centre and treat patients with professionalism, dignity and compassion.
He also encouraged residents to use the facility and seek medical attention early whenever health challenges arose.
The Oba of Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Ademola Elegushi, thanked the CNS and Nigerian Navy for the intervention.
Elegushi said the facility would improve residents’ standard of living by bringing affordable healthcare closer to the community.
He said the wellbeing of the people should not be left to government alone. (NAN)
