Over 6,000 residents of riverine communities in Ondo State received free medical service organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in partnership with some organisations.

This was as management of the interventionist agency promised to touch more lives in the Niger Delta region through its programmes and projects, as its funding improves.

The Ondo State representative on the Governing Board of the commission, Mr Benson Amuwa, said this while speaking at the flag-off of the free medical programme at Igbobini, in Ese Odo and Igo in Ilaje local government areas of Ondo State.

According to a statement by the Head, NDDC Corporate Affairs, Mr Ibitoye Abosede, the free medical service, was organised by the commission, in collaboration with the Universal Medical Foundation and the Pro-Health International.

Amuwa urged the people to cooperate and support the medical teams to work effectively, promising that NDDC was determined to bring healthcare to the doorstep of the people.

He, however, appealed to the Federal Government for the quick release of funds to NDDC for the present governing board to achieve its mandate of completing all ongoing projects.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Olu of Igbobini, Oba Oyedele Raphael, represented by Chief Olasehinde Ajele, commended NDDC for its gesture, saying, “We appreciate what you are doing for us; it is very very great. We thank you very much.”

The traditional rule said it was the first time any government was carrying out this kind of free medical programme in those communities, calling for more people-oriented projects and programmes in riverine communities of the state.