The Nigerian Navy has intensified its humanitarian engagements with residents of coastal communities as the Forward Operating Base FORMOSO extended free healthcare services to people of Beletiama Community in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The medical outreach, organised on Friday as part of activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, focused on improving access to healthcare and promoting healthy living among residents of the riverine settlement.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commanding Officer of FOB FORMOSO, Captain SK Haruna, underscored the importance of good health to national development and productivity.
He stated that no society could attain meaningful growth without a healthy population, stressing that wellness remains critical to economic and social advancement.
Haruna urged members of the community to pay closer attention to their wellbeing by embracing healthy lifestyles and seeking medical attention whenever necessary.
As part of the programme, the Base Medical Officer, Surgeon Lieutenant Commander DJ Omoamilo, delivered an extensive health lecture on what he described as the “Five Pillars of Good Health.”
He identified the pillars as proper nutrition, healthy lifestyle choices, regular exercise, adequate rest for the body and mind, as well as positive consciousness and mental wellbeing.
According to him, consistent adherence to these principles would help individuals maintain healthier and more productive lives while reducing preventable health complications.
The outreach also featured a menstrual hygiene sensitisation session for teenage girls conducted by Miss Florence Ibenagum, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, who educated participants on proper hygiene practices and personal health management.
Highlights of the programme included the distribution of medical supplies and relief materials such as medicated glasses, sanitary pads and mosquito nets to residents, as the Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening civil military relations and improving the wellbeing of communities within its operational areas.