In a breaking development, Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John, is currently battling for her life in an Abuja hospital after reportedly falling victim to severe poisoning of unknown origin. The alarming situation was first disclosed by the Peoples Gazette on the morning of September 29, 2023.
Lola Ade-John, aged 60, was swiftly transported to the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi as soon as symptoms of poisoning began to manifest, as revealed by sources close to her family. As of Friday morning, she has spent four days at the medical facility, where she is now reliant on a breathing assistance device. However, the exact substance responsible for her poisoning and the circumstances surrounding it remain unclear at this time.
Efforts to ascertain whether any official investigations have been initiated by the police or the Department of Security Service have yielded no immediate response, according to the Gazette.
The deteriorating health of Minister Ade-John has intensified the family’s concerns, leading to a dispute with the government. The permanent secretary of her ministry, Ngozi Onwudike, has reportedly disagreed on whether she should continue treatment at a public hospital or be transferred to a better-equipped private facility in the city center. Onwudike’s position is based on the belief that the FMC, being a public hospital, would not burden the government with substantial charges. However, the family is unable to afford the transfer to a private hospital, resulting in their decision to stay by her side at the current facility.
Efforts to contact the permanent secretary for a statement on the matter were unsuccessful as of Friday morning.
In addition to the unfolding crisis, it is worth noting that Minister Ade-John, who was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in August, is recognized as one of the few cabinet members selected from outside the political mainstream. She had previously resided in London for several years before her return to the country to serve in her current capacity.
