Over 800 persons in Idoro community in in Itu council area of Akwa Ibom state on Monday benefited from free medical services rendered today by the 2 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
Commanding Officer, 2 Brigade Medical Center in Uyo, Major Oghenevo Emadia,who disclosed this said the free medical outreach was part of the activities marking the 2 Brigade Nigerian Army exercise, Operation Crocodile Smile IV
“To Flag-off the exercise, Operation Crocodile Smile IV, we earmarked Idoro community which serves as the host community for our Brigade Garrison. We came here with skill personnel, like Medical Doctors, Nurses, Eye Specialists, Pharmacists and Laboratory Scientists to come and provide free medical services. Our target population is 800 persons since we have other outreach in other parts of the state. Drugs and all medical services have been provided.
Chairman Akwa Ibom State Waste Management, Mr. Akpan Ikim who was the guest of honour on the occasion, commended the Nigerian Army for the exercise stressing that the gesture has changed the perception of the people towards the army.
He said, “I commend the Nigerian Army for this show of love. Operation Crocodile Smile is something we must embrace and assist, we must thank you immensely today because what you have done for us, we will never forget. “As indigenes of Akwa Ibom State, we will continue to support the Army in any way we can, to make sure that Operation Crocodile Smile IV is a success.”
Village Head of Idoro community, Chief Edem Akpan applauded the army for the outreach, adding that a lot of people who could not go to hospital because of money willingly came out to access the free medical outreach