Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has declared a 3-day mourning period for the six medical doctors from the state that died on their way to Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, congress in Sokoto recently.
Fayose described the death of the six doctors and one driver 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.
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said that the three days of mourning are for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The governor directed that all flags should be flown at half-mast, saying the death was an eclipse of professional and intellectual figures, who lost their lives in active service to mankind.
He said, “Ekiti has lost some of the best trees in its forest of medicine. I am deeply sad. This is one loss too many.”
“The 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,” he said in the statement
The six doctors, who had an accident a few kilometres to Kaduna on their way to Sokoto to attend Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) event were Dr Aladesanmi of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ido-Ekiti; Dr Ojo Taiwo of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH); NMA Secretary, Dr Akinyele Lexy; Dr Ogunseye of the Health Management Board (HMB); EKSUTH Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) President, Dr Olajide, Dr Adeniyi James of the FMC and a driver, Mr Ajibola.
The governor urged families, friends and professional colleagues of the deceased, especially members of the NMA to solace in God who gives and takes when it pleases Him.
“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,” the governor said.
