News
Family Members Protest Death of Relative at Abuja Hospital
Family Members Protest Death of Relative at Abuja Hospital
…Demands Its Shutdown
By: Michael Mike
The family of an asthmatic patient, Chiagoziem Dike, who died shortly after he was rejected by Federal Staff Hospital Gwarimpa, Abuja has called for the shutdown of the hospital.
Dike was said to have been rushed to the said hospital after experiencing asthmatic attack but was rejected without being given any attention.
Dike, 37 years old breathed his last on the way to another hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Jabi where he was subsequently pronounced dead
The family who stormed Federal Staff Hospital to protest the death of their late member, blamed his death on the failure of the staff on duty to attend to him when he was rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
According to the family members Dike would still have been alive if the hospital had attended to him.
The family members wondered how the hospital’s medical staff who were on duty at the time could not at least check him before sending him away.
According to the protesting family members, the hospital is alleged to be notorious for rejecting emergency cases and thereby causing untimely death of innocent patients.
Speaking to journalists, a lady who identified herself as late Dike’s friend said he was rushed to the hospital when he had an asthmatic attack in the early hours of April 25, 2024 only for the medical staff on duty refusing to open the gate.
She alleged that they also stopped the gate men who had shown concern from opening gate.
She told journalists that they had to rush the patient from the hospital after they were denied entry for two hours.
“It was unfortunate that we lost him while trying to rush him to another hospital, Dike could not make it to the next hospital,” he said while further stating that: “I was his friend, I was with him when he had the attack. He was asthmatic. He had this attack last week on the 25 of April at about 4:30 am we drove him to this hospital, two doctors came and refused to open the gate for us.
“The security guard wanted to help us but the doctors shouted and refused to open the gate for us we were there till 6am .
The late Dike’s sister, Onyiyechi who was apparently furious, said “the hospital is a death trap, we have a lot of testimony about this hospital and there negligence we’ve heard a lot about it, people even blamed us after Dike’s death that why did we kill him by bringing him here.”
She called on the hospital’s Chief Medical Director to get to the root of the matter, saying “It is your responsibility to know what happened in your hospital.”
Shouting at the hospital staff, she said: “My brother is 37 years old. Did you know how long he has been struggling? He is my parents only son. We can’t sleep. This incident could’ve been avoided but no, you guys choose to take his life.”
Another family member, Sarah Ameachi, who was among the protesters, narrated her own bitter expereince .
Ameachi said, she was left in her pool of blood in the labour room without any attention.
She said, “They left me in the labour room I was bleeding nobody cared for me there were supposed to be three nurses attending to me unfortunately one left me to bleed after I gave birth I told them that I am going to report them but they retorted that I should thank God I am even alive.
“So after that incident I went back with my son, today it’s my brother turn who they did not touch they did not even look at him. They referred him to Jabi, but at least they could’ve done something or checked what was wrong with him even if you don’t have the equipment.”
The protesting family asked that the hospital be shutdown within the next 72 hours.
Mr. Innocent Echi, an in-law to the late Dike who issued the 72 hours ultimatum said, “what really happened was that on the 25 April my in-law Chiagoziem Dike had an asthmatic attack as at 4 am and he was rushed down to the hospital. He stayed opposite star view meaning that from there to the hospital is one or two minutes drive so the family and friends thought it would be nice to take him to the nearest hospital which is the Federal Staff Hospital, when they brought him they refused to open the gate after so much pressure they opened it and they took him in.
The doctors just looked at him and said they can’t handle the case and ask them to take him to Federal Medical Center, Jabi on reaching there, they told us that he was dead.
“Our anger is that Federal Staff Hospital could’ve given him first aid. He won’t have given up
“We had them on record when they where talking carelessly, I cannot but question whether they graduated from medical college and who issues them license.
” We are demanding justices for Nigeria so far not just him, we are asking the Minister of Health and Minister of FCT and Hospital management board to look into it.
“We intend to write petition to the necessary authorities. This matter need to be investigated and look into, we need justice,” Echi said
He added “We brought him because he couldn’t breathe properly but the hospital failed to attend to him and let our brother die. They referred us to a far hospital and let him die like that”
The Chief Medical Director, Federal Staff Hospital, Gwarimpa, Dr. Adewumi however said he was never aware of all the cases mentioned by the protesters, describing the death of Dike as an unfortunate incident.
He however pleaded with the aggrieved protesters, promising to look into the matter.
He said, ” I am not aware of all these. I understand, I know what you are feeling .
“I am going to find out and get the nurses and doctors involved and get justice for you.
” We are going to investigate please calm down I am sorry for all that has happened I am going to look into it and all that happened that day.”
Family Members Protest Death of Relative at Abuja Hospital
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
ALL IN HONOUR OF OUR NATION’S FALLEN HEROES
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima today represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day ceremony held at the National Arcade in Abuja.
Also in attendance were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; ministers, service chiefs and other government officials.
The solemn event commemorates the courage and sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
By Shi Fang, People’s Daily
“Mr. Lu Xun, could you recommend one of your classic works?”
“If I were to suggest one, perhaps Call to Arms would be a good starting point…”
This conversation took place at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. Supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, the hall offers visitors a novel approach to immersive reading and knowledge-based social engagement.
As one of three institutions under the Capital Library of China, the Beijing Library has introduced an AI-powered digital human modeled after renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun. Historically, Lu Xun played a role in establishing the predecessor of the Capital Library of China. Today, his digital incarnation symbolizes the library’s digital transformation.
“We developed the digital Lu Xun using AI technologies to provide guided tours, recommend books, and introduce local cuisine and cultural sites,” explained Fei Jun, professor with the School of Design, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and creative director of the Metaverse Experience Hall. His team conducted in-depth research on Lu Xun’s life and works to create a realistic and multidimensional digital persona.
In addition to the digital Lu Xun, Fei’s team created two other digital characters, “Tutu” and “2122,” each with distinct personalities: one childlike and the other futuristic. These avatars, driven by large language models, engage visitors in conversations about literature and everyday life. Since the library opened at the end of 2023, these AI characters have participated in more than 1.7 million voice interactions.
Seven-year-old reader Wang Jiayi eagerly asked “2122” questions such as, “Why did dinosaurs go extinct?” and “Why do maple leaves turn red in autumn?” Her mother commented, “The digital humans are engaging and informative. They genuinely spark children’s interest in learning.”
Entering the library feels akin to stepping into a digital universe.
Visitors can scan a QR code to verify their identity, customize their attire, and quickly generate digital avatars within the Metaverse. These avatars can navigate virtual spaces such as the Children’s Library, Ancient Books Collection, Art Literature Library, and Intangible Cultural Heritage Library, exploring venue information and upcoming events.
Readers also interact with one another via their digital avatars, sharing reading lists, exchanging book reviews, and bridging online and offline reading experiences.
Looking ahead, the library plans to introduce additional immersive features, including personalized virtual study rooms. “Our goal is to offer a multisensory experience — visual, auditory, and even tactile — so users feel as if they’ve entered a parallel world for immersive reading,” Fei said. His team is also developing an online version of the metaverse library, enabling remote access to its digital environment and vast knowledge collections.
“Beyond traditional print books, we want to create a technology-enhanced environment that sparks curiosity and encourages readers to explore knowledge in innovative ways,” said Li Nianzu, deputy director of the Capital Library of China.
Photo shows the Beijing library under the night sky. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
Readers visit the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo/Fan Jiashan)
A reader interacts with the digital Lu Xun at the Metaverse Experience Hall of the Beijing Library. (Photo from Beijing Youth Daily)
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
By: Michael Mike
A coalition of national and international human rights, environmental, and social justice organisations has condemned what they describe as the “violent and unlawful” demolition of Makoko, a historic waterfront fishing community along the Lagos Lagoon.
In a joint statement released, the groups alleged that demolition activities began on January 5, 2026, and have continued despite outcry from residents and civil society actors.
According to the organisations, government-backed demolition teams have destroyed homes, schools, health facilities, and religious buildings, leaving hundreds of families without shelter.
Eyewitness accounts cited in the statement claim that security personnel accompanying the demolition teams used tear gas and excessive force against residents, including women, children, and elderly persons. Displaced families are reportedly sleeping in boats, churches, and open spaces along the lagoon as they struggle to find temporary refuge.
The coalition further noted that Makoko is not an isolated case. Over the past year, thousands of residents across several Lagos waterfront and informal communities—including Oko-Baba, Ayetoro, Otumara, Baba-Ijora, Oworonshoki, and Precious Seeds—have faced similar evictions. In many cases, demolitions were carried out without prior notice, consultation, or resettlement plans.
The groups also referenced past demolitions in Badia East, Otodo-Gbame, Maroko, Monkey Village, Ilaje-Bariga, and Ifelodun, saying the Lagos State Government has repeatedly ignored court orders restraining such actions. They alleged that several deaths have been linked to forced evictions over the years.
“The pattern reflects a systemic disregard for human rights, due process, and the rule of law,” the statement read. “These actions violate Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations while deepening Lagos’s housing crisis.”
The coalition called on the Lagos State Government to immediately suspend all ongoing demolitions, respect existing court injunctions, investigate allegations of abuse, and provide fair compensation and adequate resettlement for affected residents.
They also urged authorities to adopt more inclusive, rights-based, and environmentally sustainable urban planning that protects livelihoods rather than displacing vulnerable communities.
The statement was signed by 23 organisations, including Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Policy Alert, WoMin African Alliance, and Norway’s Rafto Foundation for Human Rights, among others.
As of press time, the Lagos State Government had not issued an official response to the allegations.
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
AT ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY
Technology enhances immersive reading experience in Beijing
Rights Groups Condemn Demolition of Makoko, Call for Immediate Halt
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News9 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
