By Emmanuel Antswen
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday conducted free medical outreach in Benue as part of activities to commemorate its 61st anniversary celebration.
AVM Patrick Obeya, Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Tactical Air Command (TAC) Makurdi flagged off the outreach at NKST Primary School Akile, Makurdi.
Obeya who was represented by TAC Chief of Staff, AVM Ahmed Idris, said that the NAF Day was an annual event that recognises, appreciates and celebrates personnel’s doggedness and resilience in attaining the overall mission of the service.
The AOC added that the outreach was to encourage the members of the population to connect with NAF.
He stated that the medical outreach was another milestone in enhancing the civil-military relationship between NAF personnel and civilians in Benue and Nigeria at large.
Obeya said TAC would continue to support Akile community, Fiidi Council Ward and Benue at large in the area of internal security operations in every way humanly possible.
“As a fighting force, it is our core responsibility to protect the lives and property of the Nigerian citizens.
“This is to ensure that the peace and tranquillity we are all enjoying are maintained. It is also for the sustenance of the cordial relationships with our immediate communities and the society.
“NAF is aware of the security challenges in some parts of the state, and it is determined to end them and restore peace so that Benue continues to maintain its status as the food basket of the nation,” he said.
Earlier, the Commander, 161 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Air Commodore Gideon Bako, described a healthy nation as a wealthy nation.
Bako said the exercise signifies NAF’s commitment to improving civil-military relationships.
“There will also be a free eye examination and distribution of reading glasses. Deworming against intestinal helminths will also be conducted in addition to treatment for malaria and other infections.
“Furthermore, we shall also screen for diabetes, hypertension and hepatitis B virus. We will provide long-lasting insecticide-treated nets to children under five years old.
“The health professionals are here and ready to help you out with your health concerns.
“Some surgical condition that may require further treatment will be identified and provision made for such treatment to take place at our base medical facility,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Akile community, Rev. Alexander Shima commended NAF for the continued support in areas of security and now healthcare service delivery.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the 2025 NAF Day Celebration is “Optimising Civil-Military Relations in a Joint Operational Environment for Enhanced Air Operations”. NAN
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Edited by Peter Amine
