As we mark World Humanitarian Day, a day, set aside to celebrate humanitarians around the world.
We remember, and celebrate the efforts of humanitarians the world over, from the most recognized and celebrated personalities, to those in obscurity either out of choice or circumstance, we salute their efforts.
Its been a year since Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh, of First Consultant Hospital, located at Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, breath her last, after a brave fight against the deadly Ebola disease.
Dr. Adadevoh's story is one many knew too well, and at her death, drew national and international attention, concerning her efforts at making sure the Ebola virus was to a large extent curtailed from spreading and taking more lives across the country, than it did.
So many voices, so many posthumous awards, so many promises made to set up a foundation or a memorial in her honor.
Alas, its been a year, and one can not really tell if anything has in actual sense, been done to that respect.
As expected, Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh's memorial service will be, or would have been graced with dignitaries from all walks of life, all dressed to tilt, a perfect time to network, trade blames on 'who's done what, and who isn't', chit-chats on how to 'like seriously do something about it'.
Eulogies powerful enough to wake the dead will as expected, be poured out to a 'selfless life spent to save humanity, a course she lived and died for'.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing all the above mentioned. The question however remains...."after all these, what next"?
What aids, in terms of Publicity, Expertise and Voluntary Services, Adequate Facilities, and Funds, is the 'Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh Health Trust' currently getting in order to be more effective and reach out to as much people it possibly could, not only withing Lagos state, but the entire country, with emphasis on rural areas?
What efforts has been put in place to ensure that hence, no single Nigerian have to die as a result of the Ebola virus, and that mortality rate on deadly contagious diseases is greatly minimized?
These are some of the ways to truly immortalize not just the Late Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh, but the efforts of so many other Nigerians who had at one point or the other, laid down their lives for a humanitarian course they believed in.
May the soul of Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh continue to rest in perfect peace, Amen.
Worried about incessant neglects of armed robbery and accident victims by members of the public, and consequent premature death of these victims as a result of sustained injuries, out of fear of being implicated by the Police, a situation obtained in most cases, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, has enjoined members of the public, including medical personnel to attend to persons with gunshot injuries and accident victims, thereafter inform the Police for necessary actions.
In a statement released by the Force's Public Relations Officer, CP Emmanuel Ojukwu, in Abuja, the nation's capital, Friday August 21st, the Police High Command directed its Officers, to desist from harassing Nigerians who play the 'Good Samaritan' in this regard, instead try to get accurate accounts of what happened from them.
Doctors on Duty are not left behind, as they are equally duty bound to treat victims of gunshot wounds and further inform the Police of relevant facts.
"The safety of Nigerians is a collaborative effort of all and sundry. Police therefore, enjoin citizens not to relent in their cooperative attitude in ensuring safety of all. While they are also to report any suspicious person or persons to the nearest Police Station". The I.G stated.
