Not fewer than 946 residents of Imo State have benefited from free medical surgeries provided by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as part of its civil-military relations initiatives.
According to NAF’s spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement on Thursday, the surgeries included 63 thyroidectomies, 118 gynaecological cases, 434 general surgeries, and 331 eye surgeries.
Ejodame stated that the medical outreach covered 9,054 general cases and 2,177 eye consultations, and also included the distribution of over 1,300 eyeglasses, walking aids, and crutches to individuals with disabilities, aiming to restore hope and mobility.
“To further deepen its impact, the programme also conducted health education sessions on preventive care, hygiene, and maternal health, ensuring long-term community benefits beyond the immediate medical support,” he said.
According to the NAF’s spokesman, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, emphasized that the initiative is a key part of the NAF’s Civil-Military Cooperation strategy, aimed at winning the hearts and minds of citizens.
He said, “Beyond our core mandate of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, the Nigerian Air Force is committed to alleviating the suffering of our people, particularly in remote communities.
“This outreach is a testament to our philosophy of putting people first, while also bridging the gap between the military and the civilian population.”
The Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, noted that the programme reflects the CAS’s vision of leveraging Civil-Military Cooperation as a strategic enabler for national development.
He said, “Every cataract restored, every hernia repaired, every life touched here demonstrates that the Nigerian Air Force is more than a fighting force, it is a compassionate partner in nation building.
“We are determined to sustain these outreach efforts as a pillar of our engagement with the Nigerian people.”
The Project Coordinator and Facilitator, Air Vice Marshal Uche Nwagwu, commended the synergy between the NAF and local stakeholders which enabled the seamless delivery of services.
He stressed that the initiative highlights the power of collaboration, enabling the NAF to mobilize resources, personnel, and expertise to achieve remarkable outcomes.
“The smiles we see today are our greatest reward, and we are committed to expanding the reach of future interventions,” he said.
