By Nkechi Eze
In a bold demonstration of its commitment to Civil-Military Relations (CMR), the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in partnership with Nwagwu’s Health Initiative, has concluded a large-scale medical outreach in Mbaise and surrounding communities of Imo State, providing free healthcare services to thousands of residents.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the intervention spanned the month of August 2025 and recorded a total of 11,231 medical consultations and 846 life-changing surgeries. The outreach also distributed over 1,300 eyeglasses, walking aids, and crutches to persons living with disabilities, further reinforcing the NAF’s reputation as “the People’s Air Force.”
Speaking on the significance of the exercise, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, described the programme as an integral component of the NAF’s Civil-Military Cooperation strategy aimed at winning hearts and minds across the country. “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 CAS said.
The scope of the intervention was wide-ranging, covering multiple fields of medicine. The 846 surgeries included 63 thyroidectomies, 118 gynaecological cases, 434 general surgeries, and 331 eye surgeries. In addition, the medical team carried out 9,054 general consultations and 2,177 eye consultations, while also conducting health education sessions focused on preventive care, hygiene, and maternal health to ensure sustainable impact.
Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, said the outreach mirrored the CAS’s vision of using Civil-Military Cooperation as a driver of national development. “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,” he said.
Also speaking, Project Coordinator and Facilitator, Air Vice Marshal Uche Nwagwu, hailed the synergy between the NAF and local stakeholders in making the outreach a success. “This initiative underscores the power of collaboration. We were able 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 remarked.
