In continuation of its efforts at enhancing good civil-military relations for the mutual benefit of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and its host communities, the Service today, 3 December 2019, flagged-off a 2-day Medical Outreach in Ikeji-Ile Community in Oriade Local Government Area (LGA) of Osun State. The Medical Outreach, which is an initiative of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, would enable the residents of Ikeji-Ile and environs to access comprehensive free medical services. Some of the medical services to be provided during the Outreach include free consultations and minor surgeries, de-worming and immunization of children, free medications, visual acuity checks and provision of prescription eyeglasses as well as donation of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.

In his remarks during the flag-off ceremony, the Guest of Honour, the Olura of Ira Ikeji-Ile, His Royal Majesty, Oba Fatanmi Julius Oluropo, who could not hide his admiration for the magnanimity of the NAF, noted that it was the first time a medical outreach of such magnitude would be held at Ikeji-Ile. The Olura of Ira was grateful to the leadership of the NAF for the kind gesture and stated that the entire people of Ikeji-Ile would never forget the humanitarian gesture. He advised members of the community to take full advantage of the outreach and remain orderly as they were being attended to.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the NAF Medical Team and Director of Public Health and Humanitarian Services, Headquarters NAF, Group Captain Ali Tanko, explained that NAF operations entail the use of kinetic and non-kinetic means to achieve its goal of securing the territorial integrity of the nation. He explained that the non-kinetic means involve the provision of humanitarian services to host communities of NAF Bases to win hearts and minds. He added that the NAF Team would remain in the area for 2 days to provide needed medical assistance to members of the community, while those requiring basic surgeries would be operated upon.

The Commander 209 Quick Response Group (QRG) Ipetu Ijesha, Group Captain Daniel Komo, in his welcome address, reiterated that the Outreach was held in the area to extend NAF’s humanitarian gesture to the people for the support given to the NAF over the years. He said the existing cordial relationship had made it possible for the NAF to effectively discharge its duties within and beyond the State.

The people of the Community, who turned out in their large numbers, were full of appreciation to the NAF for its continued assistance and support to the communities in Oriade LGA and Osun State in general. Other dignitaries present at the flag-off ceremony were the His Royal Majesty, the Akeji of Ikeji-Ile Oriade, Oba Adebayo Ogunmokun, and the Odofin of Ira, High Chief Areola Joshua Oluwafiropo, among other community leaders.