Camouflage Editors Mourn With Adichie, Seek Accountability
Literary Figures Mourn Personal Loss
PROMINENT literary scholars and editors, Professor Nduka Otiono and Odoh Diego Okenyodo, have joined the growing chorus of voices mourning with award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie following the death of her 21-month-old son, Nnamdi.
In a joint statement, the co-editors of Camouflage: Best of Contemporary Writing from Nigeria—an anthology that features Adichie’s acclaimed work—described the loss as devastating and extended condolences to Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.
They described the death of a child as a “profoundly shattering experience” and expressed solidarity with the family during what they termed an “unbearable time.”
Concerns Over Circumstances of Death
Beyond condolence, the editors raised serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding the toddler’s death, citing Adichie’s public account that the incident was avoidable and occurred during medical procedures described as routine at a Lagos hospital.
They referenced the author’s assertion that her son would still be alive but for critical failures in medical care, a claim that has intensified public attention and calls for accountability within Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Call for Transparent Investigation
Otiono and Okenyodo welcomed the Lagos State Government’s directive for an independent investigation into the incident and urged that the probe be thorough, impartial, and transparent.
They stressed that the findings must be made public and that any individuals or institutions found culpable should be held accountable, noting that preventable loss of life undermines public trust in healthcare institutions.
Healthcare System Under Scrutiny
The co-editors situate the tragedy within broader systemic challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system, including weak accountability and poor patient protection.
They referenced findings from a recent corruption victimisation survey by civil society organisations, which identified informal payments and delays in care as persistent issues in the health sector.
While clarifying that they were not directly linking the survey’s findings to the case at hand, they argued that such systemic lapses often create conditions where preventable harm can occur.
Demand for Broader Reforms
The statement concludes with a call for nationwide reforms in hospital oversight, professional discipline, and patient safety mechanisms across both public and private healthcare facilities.
The editors urged authorities, professional bodies, and the media to closely follow the case, describing it as a potential turning point for strengthening healthcare accountability in Nigeria.
