The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as Pyrates Confraternity, on Friday, organised free medical services for at least 800 residents of Orogwe Community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo.

The medical mission, which offered diagnosis, treatment, and essential medications to residents, was part of the activities of the association’s “49th Konverge” in Owerri.

Speaking at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Orogwe, venue of the programme, the group’s National President, Dr Joseph Oteri, said the event was NAS quarterly mission to support people in communities.

According to Mr Oteri, the target is to provide free medical treatment for people, who ordinarily cannot access medicare, due to financial constraints, especially for non-communicable diseases.

Mr Oteri stated, “Since 1952, NAS was formed by seven young men, including Ralph Opara from Imo State. The confraternity has evolved to social advocacy with missions that support mankind. We chose a community to offer free medicare to residents, especially the downtrodden. We had a child with serious issue here. Luckily, we had a paediatrician who admitted her and later referred her to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri.’’

He also said that a few other patients were referred for surgeries, adding that the association would later work out how to fund their hospital bills.

He noted, “We are happy that people came out in their numbers for the programme.’’

He further said that the medical mission would support the state government’s efforts in the health sector.

He faulted the belief that the association was a cult group, saying that it was “formed for the protection of the downtrodden as well as social advocacy for positive changes.’’

Also, the group’s Chief Programme Officer, Bart Akelemor, said, “The ideals of the Pyrate Confraternity is to continue to promote a society where people have access to resources, medical, road, employment, among others, and our role is to continue to drive that vision of our founding fathers.

He said, “Bringing the NAS medical mission to Orogwe is to support the state government in meeting the medical needs of the people of the area. Nigeria is a nation of over 200 million people, and we equally know that there is shortage of doctors, with non-functional medical facilities in most local government areas.’’

Mr Akelemor further disclosed that 41 doctors from within and outside the country were on ground for the medical services, providing opportunities for the people.

A beneficiary, Chizoba Igwe, who received medication for malaria treatment, described the process as “easy and laudable.”

“This time round, there is no money to go to pharmacy or hospital for treatment. What they did here today is a big relief, not just for me but also for many who came here for the medical mission,” Mr Igwe said.

Also, Mmesoma Njoku, who said she was tested for sight issues, received medicated glasses from the medical team.

Ms Njoku said, “I have been having issues with my sight, but I have not been able to go to hospital due to the lack of money. But, today, they tested my sight and gave me medicated glasses, which I discover helps me to read tiny prints. I thank the association for this intervention.’’

In addition to the medical mission, the association also launched an arts exhibition “to promote good governance, security, poverty reduction and a more prosperous future for Nigerians.’’

In a remark at the maiden exhibition, entitled “Art Ova Yap,”
Mr Oteri said that the excellent artworks displayed were done by artists in the group.  

He said that the group was committed to utilising available instruments, including art to advocate good governance and positive change in society.

He said, “Through this exhibition, our aim is to elevate underrepresented voices and foster dialogue that promotes understanding and empathy. We acknowledge that lasting change can be achieved through collaboration among artists, advocates, policymakers and engaged citizens alike.”

He encouraged well-meaning Nigerians to support the impactive ideas of the artists by sharing their stories, championing public policies that safeguard creative freedom and broaden access to the arts.

He added, “Let this exhibition stand not only as a celebration, but also as a call to action. Together, let us ensure that art continues to inspire, challenge and positively transform our society.’’

He said that proceeds from the artifacts would be channelled to support families of deceased members and promised that the programme would be sustained.

Also, Mr Akelemor said the association “utilises every positive avenue to drive its message home.

He said, “The event showcased members’ artistic skills to drive advocacy for positive change, promoting equality, resource access, and wealth distribution in Nigeria through creative excellence.’’

The Chief Archivist of NAS, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, said the group, which started in 1952 at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, was deeply rooted in culture, art, music and drama.

Ms Adesugba said that the exhibition would be an annual event, adding that the association would have an Art Ova Yap residency, to host and mentor postgraduates on artworks.

Earlier, a member of the archivists, Dr Asani Omozuwa, and the Chairman of the group’s Board of Trustees, Prof. Olatunde Makunju, declared the 2025 Art OVA Yap Exhibition open to usher in the association’s event.

Mr Omozuwa commended the organisers, saying that the exhibition was a powerful collage, featuring not only the creative expressions of Olugbohun Ajayi, a member, who died recently, and to whom the inaugural edition was dedicated.

In a goodwill message, a BOT member, Tim Apkareva, said the exhibition was one initiative of NAS that promotes members as moral watchdogs of society, who are to be seen as pragmatic not talkative.

 (NAN)