The Nigerian Navy has inaugurated a newly constructed mini health centre project in Odawu Joinkrama III community, Ahoada West Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers.

The project was inaugurated on Friday under the Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

Rear Adm. Clinton Izu, the project facilitator and an indigene of the community, described the initiative as part of the navy’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) to its host communities.

He noted that similar projects had been executed in Bayelsa communities and other parts of the country on the directive of the Chief of Naval Staff.

Mr Izu said, “The idea of building this mini health centre was conceived as a stop-gap measure to breach the challenge of accessing health services following the moribund Joinkrama Main Hospital at Ususu Joinkrama 1, which was built by the early missionaries about 90 years ago (1936) and with a limited healthcare facility in the community.

“Therefore, when the opportunity for this quick impact project opportunity arose, the entire community, led by the paramount ruler, Izu B Izu, advocated that a health centre would be a top priority for the community.

“This facility we are commissioning today is comprised of a consulting room, a male and female ward, a maternity ward, a laboratory, a pharmacy, a nursing station, an immunisation station and the basic infrastructure of a borehole, among others.”

At the event, Mr Ogalla, represented by Rear Adm. Saheed Akinwande,  flag officer commanding the Eastern Naval Command, emphasised that civil-military cooperation initiatives like the project contributed to national development.

He added that such efforts aligned with the federal government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and reflected the navy’s commitment to supporting local communities beyond its core security mandate.

On his part, Rivers State administrator, Rtd. Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, represented by Kadiri Makoju, his special adviser on security, commended the navy for its community support.

He urged Odawu Joinkrama 3 residents to maintain and protect the facility for long-term benefit for their good.

(NAN)