Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered an immediate investigation into the tragic death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, the son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
The directive follows a detailed public account by Mrs. Adichie on Saturday, in which she alleged serious medical negligence by Euracare Multispecialist Hospital on Victoria Island.
Her son passed away on Tuesday, January 6, following a medical procedure at the private facility.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, confirmed the state government’s intervention.
She stated that the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has been mandated to conduct a “thorough, independent, and transparent investigation” to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the death.
“HEFAMAA has since commenced investigation and has visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry,” Mrs. Ogunyemi said. The agency will collaborate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to comprehensively review the allegations, including compliance with clinical protocols and patient safety standards.
The state government expressed deep condolences to Ms. Adichie and her family, reiterating its “zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct.” It assured the public that findings would be made transparently and any culpable party would face legal consequences.
In its initial response, Euracare Multispecialist Hospital stated that the toddler was referred to its facility for specific diagnostic procedures after receiving prior treatment at two other paediatric centres. The outcome of the state’s investigation is now highly anticipated.
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