Navy at 70: NNS DELTA Takes Medical Rhapsody to Ovwie Community

As part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA (NNS DELTA) has taken its humanitarian initiative, tagged “Medical Rhapsody,” to Ovwie Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The free medical outreach, conducted by the medical team from the Nigerian Navy Hospital, Warri, provided residents with access to medical consultations, laboratory tests, eye and dental examinations, blood pressure and blood sugar screening, deworming for children and free medications.

Hundreds of residents, including women, children, youths and the elderly, benefited from the outreach, receiving free medical attention, medications and other support services.

Statistics from the exercise showed that 231 sick patients received medical consultations and treatment, while 212 residents were treated for eye-related ailments and 46 dental cases attended to.

The outreach also provided deworming and vaccination for 158 children, while 56 pregnant women received medical care and antenatal support.

In addition, 88 persons underwent hypertension screening and 69 were screened for diabetes, enabling early detection and management of non-communicable diseases. The medical team also distributed 207 gift items to beneficiaries and issued 100 pairs of eyeglasses to residents with vision challenges.

Overall, a total of 1,167 residents benefited from the Medical Rhapsody programme

Speaking during the outreach, the Commander of NNS DELTA, Commodore SM Tasiu, said the programme reflected the Navy’s commitment to serving communities beyond its traditional maritime security responsibilities.

“Today, the Nigerian Navy, through NNS DELTA, has brought our 70th Anniversary celebrations to your doorstep in the form of service. Service that heals, service that restores dignity and service that reminds us that we are all part of one nation,” he said.

Tasiu noted that as the Navy marks 7 decades of existence, it has chosen to celebrate not only through ceremonial activities but also through interventions that directly impact citizens.
According to him, the Nigerian Navy’s support for healthcare in Warri and the wider Niger Delta is based on the conviction that “a healthy community is a secured community.”
He explained that many residents, particularly the less privileged, face challenges accessing quality healthcare, adding that the Medical Rhapsody initiative was designed to bridge that gap.
“Healthcare is a right, not a privilege of the wealthy,” the commander stated.
He further emphasized that the outreach was aimed at removing barriers that prevent people from accessing healthcare.
“When we bring doctors to your compound instead of waiting for you to travel to us, we remove the barriers of transport cost, long queues, and fear of hospitals,” he said.
Tasiu also highlighted the role of the Nigerian Navy Hospital, Warri, describing it as a national asset that serves both naval personnel and civilians across the region.
“NN Hospital Warri was not built only for naval personnel and their families. It was built as a national asset,” he said.
The commander assured residents that the outreach was open to all members of the community regardless of their financial status.
“No one will be turned away because they cannot pay. That is the Navy way,” he added.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Commander of the Nigerian Navy Hospital, Effurun, Surgeon Captain UF Adamu, outlined the structure of the outreach and the services available to beneficiaries.
He explained that participants were expected to register before proceeding to designated treatment sections. According to him, the yellow canopy was reserved for children, pregnant women and nursing mothers, while the blue-coloured canopy catered to diabetic and hypertensive screening, where participants would undergo necessary medical assessments before receiving further care.
Adamu noted that the outreach was designed to provide a wide range of primary healthcare services to members of the community.
He, however, explained that cases requiring treatment beyond the scope of the outreach would be referred to appropriate healthcare facilities.
The naval medical officer disclosed that ambulances had been stationed at the venue to transport patients whose conditions were beyond the capacity of the outreach team.
He further stated that the pink-coloured canopy had been designated for specialist services to participants requiring additional medical attention.
Tasiu commended the Uvwie of Ovwie Kingdom, community leaders and residents for their support and participation, describing their turnout as a demonstration of trust in the Nigerian Navy.
“Your presence shows trust. Trust that the Navy is not just about patrol boats and checkpoints, but about people,” Tasiu said.
He also called for sustained collaboration between the community and the Navy in promoting security and development.
“Support us by sharing information that helps us secure your waterways and protect your livelihood,” he urged.
Hundreds of residents, including women, children, youths and the elderly, benefited from the outreach, receiving free medical attention and medications.
On his part, the President-General of Ovwie Kingdom, Chief Abovi Hope Write, who represented the Uvwie of Ovwie Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Sideso Abe I, commended the Commander of NNS DELTA, Commodore SM Tasiu, and the medical team for bringing the Medical Rhapsody outreach to the community.
He described the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that it had provided much-needed healthcare services to residents, particularly the less privileged.
He thanked the Nigerian Navy for identifying with the people of Uvwie as part of its 70th anniversary celebrations and urged the Navy to sustain such community-based interventions.
Chief Write also assured the Navy of the continued support and cooperation of the traditional institution and the people of Ovwie Kingdom in efforts aimed at promoting peace, security, and development in the area.