The University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Akure, has strongly refuted allegations of negligence in the tragic deaths of four children from the Adeola family, following a report by an online newspaper (Starnews NG). 

The hospital, in a statement issued by its Information and Public Relations Officer, Roseline Akeredolu, emphasized that all necessary medical interventions were carried out swiftly and professionally in the treatment of the children.

The children were brought to the hospital’s Children’s Emergency Unit on September 29, 2024, after being referred from Mother & Child Hospital, Akure. 

According to the hospital, the children showed symptoms believed to be caused by the ingestion of pap containing an “unknown poison”. Their grandmother had also passed away days earlier after consuming the same meal.

“Upon their arrival, they were immediately received and attended to by our medical team, which included consultants alerted by the referring hospital,” the statement read. 

“Urgent resuscitation and critical care measures were initiated, and all necessary medical interventions—including resuscitation, toxicology testing, and hourly monitoring—were implemented in line with global best practices.”

Despite the efforts, the hospital disclosed that the children could not be saved. 

However, UNIMEDTH firmly rejected any claims of professional negligence, noting that its healthcare professionals worked tirelessly to save the children. 

The hospital further revealed that investigations, including blood tests and toxicology screenings, were conducted in collaboration with the Ondo State Ministry of Health, with toxicology results still pending.

The hospital expressed sympathy for the Adeola family but urged the public and media to rely on verified information and refrain from spreading unverified claims that could compound the family’s grief or tarnish the hospital’s reputation.

“Our commitment to providin the highest standard of medical care remains steadfast and unwavering,” the statement concluded.

Members of the West African College of Nursing (WACN), led by Dr. Alice Ogundele and Dr. Abiodun Oluwaseun, have expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the Acting Medical Director of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH), Akure, Dr. Adeshina Akintan, for making the hospital’s facilities available for their fellowship practicum.

Dr. Ogundele, a retired Head of Nursing Services, commended the hospital’s unwavering support, which she said enabled members to exchange knowledge, skills, and experiences in a conducive professional environment that promotes growth and learning.

She lauded the hospital’s atmosphere of warmth, friendliness, teamwork, and cooperation, attributing these qualities to strong leadership.

She further encouraged the Acting Medical Director and his team to continue their efforts in procuring state-of-the-art medical equipment, which she noted would enhance the hospital’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare services.

In response, Dr. Akintan expressed his gratitude for the recognition and gift presented to the management.

He acknowledged the team’s dedication to mentoring and guiding the next generation of healthcare professionals and reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to fostering collaboration and lifelong learning.

Dr. Akintan also reassured the WACN members that acquiring more advanced medical equipment remains a top priority in the hospital’s pursuit of excellence in healthcare delivery.

The National Movement for Good Governance and Participatory Democracy has debunked claims that the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kolo Kyari, is eyeing a gubernatorial ticket in Borno State for 2027, with aspirations to run for president in 2031.

In a press statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emeka Tony, and National Secretary, Yusuf Hassan, the group dismissed the story as a “concocted narrative” by unidentified individuals seeking to tarnish Kyari’s image. 

The group described the report as malicious, emphasizing that it is part of a continued campaign by certain elements upset by Kyari’s reappointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“These selfish and criminal elements are bent on destroying the NNPCL boss’s image for reasons best known to them,” the statement read. 

The group further stated that Kyari’s reappointment and his leadership of the NNPCL have earned widespread commendation, despite attempts to malign him.

The group underscored Kyari’s commitment to his role, noting that he has shown accountability, transparency, and excellent performance despite ongoing challenges in the energy sector. 

His efforts, they said, have been focused on resolving Nigeria’s fuel crisis, a critical issue affecting the nation’s economy.

Dismissing any speculation about Kyari’s political ambitions, the group assured Nigerians that the NNPCL boss remains dedicated to his duties and is not distracted by the political rumours. 

“Kyari is not nursing any political ambition that could distract him from delivering on his assigned duties,” the group emphasized.

The statement warned those behind the false reports to desist, threatening to expose the individuals responsible for the smear campaign. 

According to the group, these individuals have attempted to exploit Kyari financially, but their efforts have failed due to Kyari’s integrity.

The group also claimed that the story was an attempt to create discord between Kyari and other northern political figures, particularly in Borno State. 

It urged Nigerians to disregard the reports, asserting that such political moves are not made clandestinely or through media speculation.

It added that Kyari’s contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector, particularly in building gas infrastructure such as the OB-3 Gas Pipeline, and AKK Gas Pipeline, and promoting the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline are proof of his commitment to national development.

The group called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and not fall for “old tricks” aimed at distracting from Kyari’s work.