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Tinubu’s Minister Allegedly Poisoned, Hospitalized In Abuja

Published

1 year ago

Sep 29, 2023.

Eko Hot Blog reports that Lola Ade-John, Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, has been hospitalized in Abuja after reportedly falling victim to acute poisoning of unknown origin. Family sources have expressed concerns about the urgency required to save her life.

Ade-John, aged 60, was swiftly admitted to the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi as soon as symptoms of poisoning began to manifest, according to reliable family sources. As of Friday morning, she has spent four days receiving medical care at the facility.

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Ms Ade-John, a career banker and tech investor, has been on a machine to aid her breathing, sources said. The specifics as to what substance she ingested and how could not be immediately established by this news medium. The police and the State Security Service did not immediately return a request on whether or not any investigations had been opened into the matter.

Her worsening situation has further set the family against the government, with the permanent secretary of her ministry said to be in disagreement as to whether she should continue receiving treatment at a public hospital or be moved to a better-equipped private facility downtown.

Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John

The permanent secretary, Ngozi Onwudike, was said to have insisted that the minister should not be transferred because the FMC is a public hospital and its services wouldn’t attract substantial charges to the government, a position her family rebuffed. But they remained with her as they could not raise funds to move her to a private hospital, sources said. A phone number for the permanent secretary did not connect on Friday morning.

Efforts to reach Ngozi Onwudike for comment were unsuccessful as her phone number did not connect on Friday morning. Likewise, a spokesperson for the Federal Medical Centre has not responded to requests for updates on Ms. Ade-John’s condition.

Further Reading

Lola Ade-John assumed her role as Minister of Tourism in August, following her appointment by President Bola Tinubu. Her appointment was notable as she was one of the few cabinet members selected from outside the political establishment.

Prior to her ministerial role, she resided in London for several years before being called upon to serve her home country by President Tinubu.

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