The Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Olufemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to collaborating with communities across the six geo-political zones of the country to promote infrastructural development and support their areas of needs.
Oluyede spoke on Wednesday during the commissioning of the remodelled Olugbo Primary Health Care Center and Staff Quarters in Olugbo, Odeda local government area of Ogun State.
He explained that the scheme introduced to provide support to communities by serving senior officers is a way of giving back to the society.
Oluyede, who was represented by Major Gen. Baba Umaru Yahaya, emphasized that the project’s goal is to support government efforts and those of other well-meaning individuals.
He said, “It is worth stating that this scheme was introduced to provide support to communities of serving Nigerian Army senior officers across the nation who, through dedication, duty, duty and service to the nation, have risen to the rank of Major General.
“I must say that the projects executed by the Nigeria Army are not intended to compete with or subdue the responsibilities of government but to complement their efforts and that of other well-meaning organisations and individuals towards enhancing the quality of life of the people.”
The project under the Chief of Army Staff Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation was executed by the Commander, Corps of Supply and Transportation, Major Gen. Adekunle Adeyinka.
In his welcome address, Major Gen. Adekunle Adeyinka disclosed that the restored facility would effectively provide primary health care service to over 62 communities and more than 8,000 persons.
DAILY POST gathered that pregnant women and children travelled over 40km to receive medical attention at the nearest government health facilities.
Adeyinka appealed to the state Ministry of Health to increase the centre’s workforce by adding a doctor, two midwives, two pharmacists, two laboratory technicians, and a health attendant to optimize the delivery of healthcare service to the community.
In his remark, the State House Assembly Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, while praising Major Gen. Adeyinka for not denying his local government but giving back to the community, lamented that many people shy away and deny being a member of the local government.
In a similar vein, the Chairman of the local government, Folashade Adeyemo, stressed that
access to quality health is not a necessity but a right, adding that the facility is a significant step towards providing affordable healthcare to all.
