ASABA/Nigeria: There was excitement in the agrarian Yoruba-speaking community of Ugbodu in Aniocha north council of Delta state as residents turned out in large numbers to receive free medical treatment for various ailments.
The National Association of Seadogs aka Pyrates Confraternity had stormed the community right in the heart of the local government area predominantly domiciled by Ibos or Anioma-speaking people with its medical outreach to mark the 70th anniversary of the association.
Free healthcare services ranging from childhood diseases, hypertension, diabetes, body pains, ulcer, malaria, fungal infections, eye test, dental care, and blood pressure among others were carried out.
Assorted drugs were donated to the community’s health center, the venue of the ceremony
The traditional ruler of Ugbodu, His Royal Majesty, Oloza Ayo Isinyemeze flanked by some of his chiefs at the occasion, could not but commend the Seadogs for the outreach to his subjects saying that the gesture would go a long way to improve the health of people.
A retired civil servant, Mr. Luke Efeoha who was treated for eye-related diseases said such exercises were overdue in the community because most people who were treated may not have met up financially to afford the treatment, urging the association not to relent in extending the services to neighboring communities.
The matron of the health center, Mrs. Mercy Ike described the donation of drugs to the center as rare and worthy of emulation stating that the drugs were not only of high quality but enough to serve the facility for a long.
According to her, diabetes and high blood pressure topped the charts of challenges among health seekers.
Speaking at the occasion earlier, the Asaba chapter President of NAS, Engr. Emeka Okolo said the aim of the medical outreach tagged weekend of the Confrat’s service to humanity that was carried out simultaneously in all the chapters in the country Mr. Luke Efeoha was to reach a significant population of indigent Nigerians needing medical attention.
The vice president of the group, Mr. Moses Agwere said Ugbodu was chosen after a survey was carried out showing that the people were in dire need of medical services
