The Nigerian Navy has commissioned a newly constructed dental clinic and Heart-to-Heart Centre at the Ikate Primary Healthcare Centre, Ikate-Elegushi, Lagos, to improve access to healthcare services in the community.
The newly constructed facility comprises a dental clinic and an incorporated Heart-to-Heart antiretroviral facility.
The facilities were provided under the Chief of the Naval Staff Special Intervention Quick Impact Projects Scheme as part of the Nigerian Navy’s civil-military cooperation efforts in honour of Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Chief of Naval Staff(CNS) Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, said the Nigerian Navy recognised that national security and prosperity were strengthened when communities were supported through meaningful development initiatives.
He said the Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme was designed to address critical community needs while strengthening relationships between the Armed Forces and the communities they serve.
The CNS who was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, said the newly commissioned facilities would improve access to dental services as well as antiretroviral therapy and counselling, thereby contributing to the wellbeing of residents.
He urged beneficiaries and the management of the health centre to protect and maintain the facilities to ensure that the investment remained useful to future generations.
The governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu lauded the Navy for the project adding that it would complement the state government’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare services.
The governor who represented by the the Special Adviser to the governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi,
said the value of the facilities would ultimately be determined by the quality of care provided to residents.
He charged the management and healthcare workers to maintain the facilities and treat patients with professionalism, dignity and compassion.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira said the project was conceived to complement ongoing efforts to provide quality healthcare to residents of Ikate and its environs.
Ferreira said the need for accessible dental care was identified following consultations with the management of the Primary Healthcare Centre, the traditional institution in Ikate and the Lagos State Health District III.
Ferreira said the dental clinic was equipped with a modern dental treatment unit, mobile dental X-ray unit, dental instruments, autoclave and laboratory equipment, among others.
He said the clinic would provide oral examination and diagnosis, preventive dentistry, restorative procedures, minor oral surgery, dental radiography and patient education.
The Heart-to-Heart Centre, he added, would provide confidential access to information, counselling, prevention support and care for people requiring HIV-related services.
Ferreira urged the management of the healthcare centre and residents to take ownership of the facilities, ensure proper maintenance and make optimal use of the services.
He added that the project was also aimed at strengthening the longstanding relationship between Ikate-Elegushi and the Nigerian Navy, noting that many serving and retired naval personnel reside in the community.
The traditional ruler of Ikate-Elegushi, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, commended the Nigerian Navy for the intervention, saying it would bring affordable healthcare closer to residents.
Elegushi also urged other government institutions and the private sector to support communities in areas such as healthcare, education and social investment.
He later conferred an honorary chieftaincy title on Ferreira in recognition of his contribution to the community.