The Lagos State Government has commiserated with renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie over the death of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi, while confirming that it has launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death at a health facility in the state.
The government’s position was conveyed in a statement signed by Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser on Health to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
thewatch.ng had earlier reported the child’s death when the news first broke.
Read Here: Chimamanda Adichie Mourns Death of Her 21‑Month‑Old Son — Family Requests Privacy
‘A Profound and Irreparable Loss’ — Lagos Govt
Expressing sympathy, the Lagos State Government described the death of a child as a devastating tragedy and assured the family of its commitment to justice.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, the Lagos State Government commiserates sincerely with Ms. Chimamanda Adichie and her family over this painful and irreparable loss,” the statement said.
“The death of a child is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this extremely difficult time.”
The government added that it places the highest value on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within Lagos State.
Recall: Adichie’s Statement and Allegations
As previously reported by thewatch.ng, Adichie on January 10 released a detailed statement describing the events leading up to her son’s death.
According to her account, Nkanu fell ill while the family was in Lagos for the Christmas holidays. What initially appeared to be a minor cold, she said, rapidly developed into a severe infection.
She disclosed that the child was referred to Euracare Hospital on January 6, where he later died.
In her statement, Adichie accused the hospital’s anaesthesiologist of being “criminally negligent, fatally casual, and careless with the precious life of a child.”
“I will never survive the loss of my child,” the author wrote.
👉 Read Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s full statement as earlier published by thewatch.ng. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Alleges Medical Negligence in Death of 21-Month-Old Son
Hospital Responds, Denies Negligence
In a separate statement, Euracare Hospital expressed condolences to the Adichie family, acknowledging what it described as the “profound and unimaginable loss” they are experiencing.
However, the hospital disputed claims of medical negligence, stating that some reports currently in circulation are inaccurate.
“In particular, the suggestion that this tragic outcome resulted from medical negligence is erroneous,” the statement signed by the hospital’s management said.
Euracare said it worked collaboratively with external medical teams as recommended by the family and ensured that all necessary clinical support was provided. The hospital also confirmed that it has commenced an internal investigation in line with its clinical governance standards and best practices.
Sanwo-Olu Directs HEFAMAA to Probe Incident
Reacting to the controversy, the Lagos State Government said Governor Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the incident.
According to the statement, HEFAMAA has already visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The agency will conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the incident, including compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved.
Collaboration With MDCN, Findings to Be Made Public
The state government said HEFAMAA will work closely with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure a holistic and credible investigation.
It assured the public that the findings of the investigation will be made public once the process is concluded.
“Any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct, or regulatory violations will face the full wrath of the law,” the statement said.
While the investigation is ongoing, the government urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, assuring that due process is being followed to ensure fairness and accountability.
