Six doctors in the services of the Ekiti State Government died yesterday, Sunday in a road accident. The doctors were travelling from Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, to Sokoto in Sokoto State for the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association before they had an accident in Kaduna State.
The doctors are Dr. Aladesanmi of the Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti; Dr. Ojo Taiwo of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital; the Ekiti State Secretary of the NMA, Dr. Akinyele Lexy; Dr. Ogunseye of the Health Management Board; The President of the EKSUTH Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Olajide; Dr. Adeniyi James of the FMC.
Also dead in the accident was the driver of the 13 seater bus in which they were travelling, simply identified as Mr. Ajibola.
The Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, on Monday morning condoled with the family of the deceased, the NMA and the state in general.
Fayose described the death of the six medical doctors and one driver in the State as the lowest point in the history of the State and a monumental loss not only to the people of Ekiti State but to Nigerians.
He declared three days of mourning for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The governor, who directed that all flags should be flown at half mast, described the death as an eclipse of professional and intellectual figures, who lost their lives in active service to mankind, adding: “Ekiti has lost some of the best trees in its forest of medicine. I am deeply sad. This is one loss too many.”
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said: “Death of seven prominent indigenes of a State in one day and at the same period is a burden too heavy to bear and it is my prayer that God, who is the only giver and taker of live will give Ekiti people the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
The governor urged families, friends and professional colleagues of the deceased, especially members of the NMA, to take solace in God who giveth and taketh when it pleases Him.
Ge said: “It is my prayer that tragic incident like this will not be witnessed in Ekiti State again and that God in His infinite mercies will console the families of the deceased.
“On behalf of my family, Government and people of Ekiti State, I express our heartfelt condolence for the loss of these promising sons of Ekiti and wish their families, friends and professional colleagues the continued support and guidance of the Almighty God.” [myad]