Nduka Otiono and Odoh Diego Okenyodo, co-editors of the anthology Camouflage: Best of Contemporary Writing from Nigeria, have expressed profound sorrow at the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of celebrated writer, Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie.
The editors of the book that features Ngozi-Adichie’s short story, Half of a Yellow Sun, joined other Nigerians in mourning with her and her family.
They wrote in a statement: “Our hearts go out to Ms. Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.
Losing a child is a profoundly shattering experience, and no parent should ever endure such
grief. We offer Chimamanda our deepest condolences and stand with her in this dark hour.
We note with grave concern Ms. Adichie’s own account that her son’s death was avoidable,
attributed to “critical failures in care during medical procedures that ought to have been
routine” at a Lagos hospital. As the author herself stated, “My son would be alive today if not
for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6th.
“The Lagos State Government has already ordered an independent investigation and
acknowledged that “the death of a child is a profound tragedy,” extending “heartfelt
condolences” and assuring that those responsible will face justice. We echo these
sentiments and urge that the probe be thorough, transparent and impartial. Every detail
must be uncovered so that the truth emerges. Nnamdi’s untimely passing cannot be swept
under the rug; Nigeria cannot tolerate such loss of life due to potential negligence.
“This heartbreaking incident underscores deeper, systemic problems in our healthcare
system. It has become all too common for Nigerians to face delays in seeking medical care.
In fact, a recent corruption victimisation survey by anti-corruption NGOs (TAP Initiative and
Dataphyte) found that “the most prevalent form of corruption that exists in the health care
sector is the collection of financial tips from patients”. While are not insinuating that this was
the case at Eurocare, in practical terms, this means many patients routinely face delays
before being seen by doctors, or to receive timely treatment. Our health facilities have
normalised these practices often due to lack of accountability.
“It is intolerable that any patient, whether child or adult, should be denied care or treated late
because of a failure or greed on the part of health workers.
“In this sombre moment, we therefore demand accountability. We join Ms. Adichie and
concerned Nigerians in calling for:
1. A thorough, independent investigation into the circumstances of Little Nnamdi’s
death, covering all medical and administrative actions at every stage. The people of
Lagos have the right to know what happened, and any wrongdoers – whether
individuals or institutions – must be held fully responsible.
2. Immediate reforms in hospital oversight. The findings of the above-referenced
survey must be heeded as a warning: hospitals should face strict checks on
procedural errors. Any healthcare worker found to have neglected duty, or
endangered patients should face sanction.
3. We urge authorities and the media to follow this case closely. The Lagos
government has pledged to make investigation results public. We trust they will fulfill
that promise. Families like Ms. Adichie’s deserve the truth, and Nigerians deserve
assurance that their hospitals are safe.
This case should catalyse nationwide action. Let it deter the “widespread negligence” so
many fear in our medical system. Our hospitals must become places of care and
compassion, not sites of preventable tragedy.
We pay tribute to little Nnamdi’s memory by refusing to let his death be in vain. As co-
editors of Camouflage, we have seen through literature how stories of hardship can spur
change. Today, we call on the Nigerian government, hospital administrators, and
professional medical bodies to implement immediate safeguards so that no parent’s worst
nightmare can happen again.
“Finally, we reaffirm our solidarity with Chimamanda Adichie. May she find strength in the
outpouring of love and support around her. We and all Nigerians stand ready to help shine a
light on this tragedy and to demand a healthcare system worthy of our people. Only by
facing uncomfortable truths – and by addressing the corruption and carelessness at hand –
can we hope to protect other families from similar heartbreak.”
Signed:
Prof Nduka Otiono and Odoh Diego Okenyodo
Co-editors, Camouflage: Best of Contemporary Writings from Nigeria anthology (ISBN 10:
9788033679 ISBN 13: 9789788033677
Publisher: Treasure Books Ltd, Yenagoa (2006) & Mace Associates Ltd, Lagos [2021].
Mace Associates Limited, 2021).
https://www.amazon.com/Camouflage-Best-Contemporary-Writing-Nigeria/dp/9788033679
