As part of the activities marking the 2025 Nigerian Navy Week, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) PATHFINDER brought healthcare directly to the people of Mgbu-Oshimimi, Rumuorlumeni in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, offering free medical services to over 1,500 residents.
On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the Community Town Hall transformed into a beacon of hope and healing as Commodore Cajethan Aniaku, Commander of NNS PATHFINDER, led the base’s Medical Rhapsody initiative—a major humanitarian outreach designed to uplift underserved populations and deepen civil-military relations.
The medical outreach, which attracted children, pregnant women, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups, offered a wide range of health services including blood pressure checks, diabetes and blood sugar screening, hepatitis B & C tests, HIV screening, malaria diagnosis, and general medical consultations. Attendees also received practical health education sessions aimed at improving lifestyle habits and disease prevention.
In a move to curb the spread of malaria—a persistent health challenge in the region—the Navy distributed 125 insecticide-treated mosquito nets, prioritizing households with pregnant women and young children.
Speaking at the event, Commodore Aniaku highlighted the importance of strengthening the Navy’s bond with host communities, stressing that the outreach was not merely a one-off gesture but part of a broader commitment to national development and community welfare.
“This medical outreach underscores our dedication not only to maritime security but also to the health and wellbeing of the people we serve and protect,” he said. “It’s a reflection of the Nigerian Navy’s core values under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.”
Vice Admiral Ogalla, who has championed initiatives that extend the Navy’s strategic relevance beyond its traditional maritime duties, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of engaging and empowering communities, particularly those in riverine and coastal regions.
“This Navy belongs to all Nigerians,” Commodore Aniaku reiterated. “And through outreach like this, we are reminded that security and health are inseparable elements of national progress.”
The event was marked by appreciation from community leaders and residents alike, who described the outreach as timely and impactful. For many beneficiaries, it was the first time they were receiving formal medical attention in months, if not years.
The 2025 Navy Week, themed around service and inclusion, continues with several other activities including capacity building workshops, public lectures, and additional humanitarian interventions in coastal communities across the country.
As the Navy sails into its 70th year of existence, initiatives like the Medical Rhapsody underscore its evolving role—not just as a defender of territorial waters, but as a partner in nation-building and a custodian of public well-being.
 PATHFINDER brought healthcare directly to the people of Mgbu-Oshimimi, Rumuorlumeni in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, offering free medical services to over 1,500 residents.){kind=link}