By BANNERNEWS Reporter
More than 100 persons, including widows of fallen soldiers, benefited from a free medical outreach organised by the Nigerian military as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) in Calabar, Cross River State.
The outreach took place at the Millennium Park, Calabar, venue of the traditional military parade and the laying of wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Dressed in black attire, the widows and other beneficiaries were screened for various ailments and provided with free drugs, while those requiring further care were referred to military medical facilities for specialised attention.
Many of the widows expressed appreciation for the introduction of the medical outreach, describing it as a thoughtful intervention that helped ease the burden of medical expenses and the stress of accessing hospital services.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Helen Effiom, whose husband, a Staff Sergeant, was killed during a Boko Haram operation in Borno State five years ago, said life had been extremely challenging since his death, especially as she struggles to raise four children alone.
A medical officer from the Nigerian Navy Medical Unit, Sub-Lieutenant Akpan, said the beneficiaries were screened for tuberculosis, malaria, high blood pressure and eye-related conditions, all at no cost.
According to him, those with serious health issues were referred to military health facilities for further evaluation and treatment.
Earlier, Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, represented by his deputy, Dr Peter Odey, alongside the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Akon Ikpeme, laid wreaths at the Cenotaph in honour of fallen heroes.
Otu assured that his government will continue to extend welfare supports to members of the legionnaires as well as the hose still serving.
Also present at the ceremony were service commanders in the state, the Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua, Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers’ Council, religious leaders, top government officials, and members of the Nigerian Legion.
