Professor Nduka Otiono and Mr. Odoh Diego Okenyodo, the co-editors of the anthology Camouflage: Best of Contemporary Writing from Nigeria (which features award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s short story, “Half of a Yellow Sun”), have expressed profound sorrow at the tragic loss of Adichie’s 21-month-old son, Nnamdi.
The authors, in a joint press statement at the weekend, said: “We join countless Nigerians in mourning with Chimamanda and her family during this unbearable time. 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.
Otiono and Okenyodo added: “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.”
The authors said: “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.”
Camouflage, the anthology of short stories, was published in 2021 by Mace Associates Limited, Lagos, and is obtainable on Amazon.
