Army conducts medical outreach in Sokoto, engages students on patriotism

By Muhammad Nasir

Sokoto, July 4, 2025

The Nigerian Army, has provided free medical outreach to the residents of Balle community in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State as part of the activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2025, .

Inaugurating the exercise on Friday, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Sokoto, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, said the initiative aimed to improve healthcare delivery in communities affected by insurgency.

Ajose, who also serves as the Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force Operation FANSAR YANMA, was represented by the Commander, Defence Headquarters Special Operations, Col. Mohammed Umar.

“The choice of Balle community was deliberate, considering its current needs due to the prevailing security situation.

“Our aim is to support the community by addressing immediate health challenges through free medical consultations, treatment, and distribution of essential drugs—particularly for women, children, and the elderly,” he stated.

Ajose reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while calling on the community to continue supporting security agencies in the quest for lasting peace.

In his remarks, the District Head of Balle, Alhaji Abdulrahman Usman, expressed gratitude to the Army for the initiative, describing it as timely and commendable.

“This gesture reflects the Army’s dedication to supporting host communities while fulfilling its constitutional mandate.

“We pray for continuous guidance and protection for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in their service to the nation,” he said.

In a related development, the Army also held a public engagement session with the students of Idris Koko Technical College, Farfaru, aimed at strengthening civil-military relations and promoting national values among young Nigerians.

Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, at the event, Brig.-Gen. Aliyu Musa, Commander, 108 Division Equipment Service, said the initiative was part of the Army’s broader civil-military relations programme.

“This outreach seeks to educate students on the role of the military in national development, instill discipline, and expose them to career opportunities in the Nigerian Army,” he explained.

Oluyede stated d that such platforms were designed to bridge the gap between the military and civilian populations, particularly among the youth.

“The Nigerian Army is committed to engaging the younger generation to instill values of patriotism, discipline, and national service, while also highlighting pathways to military careers,” he added.

Also speaking, the Director of Quality Assurance, Sokoto State Ministry of Science and Technology, Malam Musa Koko, commended the Army’s efforts in shaping responsible citizens.

He described the engagement as a valuable complement to the state’s educational and career development efforts, helping prepare students for a future where knowledge, discipline, and patriotism play vital roles.