Health
FMC Abuja mourns nurse killed, dumped by roadside
By Folasade Akpan
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, is mourning the tragic killing of 28-year-old nurse Chinemerem Chuwumeziem, describing the incident as gruesome and devastating for the entire hospital community.
The Medical Director, Prof. Saad Ahmed, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that staff were still in shock, describing Chuwumeziem as a rising star whose future held great promise.
Chuwumeziem, who joined FMC Abuja in 2025, quickly distinguished herself through dedication and compassion, earning admiration from colleagues and patients.
She was named Best Nurse of the Year 2025 at the hospital’s award programme.
A single lady, she lived with her aunt in Wuse, Abuja, and hailed from Orlu, Imo State.
Her death has deeply affected staff and triggered widespread mourning at the hospital.
Ahmed said Chuwumeziem finished her afternoon shift on Saturday and left the hospital at 6:13 p.m., as captured on CCTV. That was the last time she was seen alive.
He said concern was raised early Sunday when her family reported she had not returned home.
“The hospital immediately mobilised staff to search nearby areas and hospitals, but nothing was found.
“The hospital alerted its Chief Security Officer, who contacted security agencies.
“The police later discovered her body around Bolingo Hotel Junction and took it to the mortuary. Her family buried her in Imo State.
“The incident was reported to the Federal Ministry of Health, the Department of State Services, and the police, who have assured the hospital that investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible.”
Ahmed said measures were being taken to support staff and reduce risks, including reviewing shift schedules, improving the hospital shuttle bus system, and enhancing staff safety arrangements.
He prayed for the repose of Chuwumeziem’s soul and for strength for her family and colleagues to bear the painful loss.
Also speaking, Head of Nursing Services Mrs Abigail Gwimi, described the nurse as gentle, dutiful, and deeply committed to patient care.
“Her disappearance triggered frantic searches through the night.”
Gwimi said the police found the body with her bag, containing personal items, including a Bible, while her phone was missing. The cause of death was reported as asphyxiation.
“The killing has heightened fears among nurses and health workers who often work long shifts and commute late, affecting morale and creating anxiety about personal safety.”
She added that hospital management was engaging staff for emotional support and reviewing duty schedules and security measures to reassure workers and prevent a recurrence of such incidents. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Health
Many Nigerian Talents Wasted Due to Mental Health Challenges — Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services Boss
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services, Dr. Everest Okpara, has expressed concern over the number of talented Nigerian athletes whose careers are cut short due to poor mental health support and inadequate medical care.
Dr. Okpara spoke on Thursday in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the All Federal Capital Territory Sports Associations (AFSA) and Everight Diagnostic and Laboratory Services.
The event was attended by representatives of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, officials of various FCT sports associations, and other stakeholders.
He noted that Nigeria continues to lose promising athletes not because of lack of talent, but due to weak healthcare systems, especially in the area of mental health and early diagnosis.
“Our athletes face a lot. Some have underlying health conditions that go undetected. If diagnosed early, many of these challenges could be managed or prevented,” he said.
Dr. Okpara stressed that leading sporting nations invest heavily in preventive healthcare and performance science, a model Nigeria must adopt to remain competitive.
“Across the world, top sporting countries prioritize preventive healthcare. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, many gifted athletes fall short of their potential due to poor mental health conditions and lack of access to proper care,” he added.
He explained that the partnership with AFSA is aimed at reversing this trend by providing athletes with access to quality healthcare services, including mental health support, early diagnosis, and continuous medical monitoring.
According to him, the collaboration will create a sustainable pathway for athletes in the FCT and beyond to improve both their physical and psychological wellbeing, ultimately enhancing performance and career longevity.
“This initiative marks a turning point in Nigeria’s sports development. It is about building a healthier sports ecosystem where athletes can thrive and compete globally,” he said.
Also speaking, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, who was represented by Hon. Albert Atsonka commended Everight Diagnostic for its vision and commitment to national development.
Atsonka described the facility as a centre of excellence, noting that investments in such healthcare infrastructure would significantly reduce medical tourism and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He said the MoU represents a strategic step toward improving athlete welfare and advancing sports development in the Federal Capital Territory.
“This partnership goes beyond business; it is a contribution to national growth. Everight’s name will be remembered in the history of sports development in the FCT,” he said, while also appreciating stakeholders like Mr. Clinton Agbor for their dedication to sports development.
In his remarks, the Director General of AFSA, Mr. Clinton Agbor, described the partnership as timely and crucial, especially in addressing issues such as doping, poor medical records, and inadequate athlete preparation.
He noted that AFSA, which oversees 48 sporting associations, is focused on grassroots development and believes early medical screening is essential for nurturing young talents.
“We must start from the grassroots. Athletes with proper medical history and care perform better. Many opportunities are lost due to failed medical tests, especially for players seeking contracts abroad,” he said.
Agbo added that the partnership would also provide subsidized healthcare services for athletes, sports officials, and journalists, while promoting education on health and fitness.
He revealed that the agreement, expected to last for an initial three years, would focus on comprehensive healthcare delivery, anti-doping awareness, and long-term athlete development.
The MoU signals a renewed commitment to integrating healthcare into sports development, with a strong focus on prevention, performance, and longevity—key factors needed to reposition Nigeria as a competitive force in global sports.
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