By Bavoriat Clara
In a landmark demonstration of its commitment to Civil-Military Relations (CMR), the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in partnership with Nwagwu’s Health Initiative, has successfully concluded a large-scale medical outreach in Mbaise and surrounding communities of Imo State.
The month-long programme, which ran through August 2025, recorded 11,231 consultations and 846 life-changing surgeries, alongside the distribution of vital medical aids to persons living with disabilities further reinforcing NAF’s reputation as “The People’s Air Force.”
In a statement issued by the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, described the initiative as a key element of the Service’s Civil-Military Cooperation strategy.
“Beyond our core mandate of defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, the Nigerian Air Force is committed to alleviating the suffering of our people, especially in underserved communities.
This outreach is a testament to our philosophy of putting people first, while bridging the gap between the military and civilians,” the CAS stated.
The intervention covered a wide range of medical services. Surgical operations included 63 thyroidectomies, 118 gynaecological procedures, 434 general surgeries, and 331 eye surgeries. Consultations addressed 9,054 general cases and 2,177 eye cases.
Additionally, more than 1,300 eyeglasses, walking aids, and crutches were distributed to restore hope and mobility. To ensure long-term benefits, the programme also featured health education sessions on preventive care, hygiene, and maternal health.
The Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Ibikunle Daramola, stressed the broader significance of the project.
“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.
Project Coordinator and Facilitator, Air Vice Marshal Uche Nwagwu, praised the synergy that enabled the success of the initiative. “This outreach underscores the power of collaboration. By pooling resources, personnel, and expertise, we achieved remarkable outcomes.
The smiles on the faces of beneficiaries are our greatest reward, and we are committed to expanding the reach of future interventions,” he noted.
With the success of the Imo State medical outreach, the Nigerian Air Force has once again demonstrated that its humanitarian interventions go beyond healthcare delivery. They are about strengthening trust, promoting unity, and reaffirming its identity as a people-centred institution.
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