The late Dr. Stella Ameyo
Adadevoh, a senior Endocrinologist, Physician at First Consultant Medical
Centre, Obalende, Lagos was the daughter of Prof. Kwaku Adadevoh and a great
granddaughter of Sir. Herbert Macaulay. She was the medical doctor who treated
the Ebola index case in Nigeria. She died of the disease on August 14, 2014.
Prior to July 2014 when the
Liberian American, Patrick Sawyer, consultant for the Liberian Ministry of
Finance intentionally imported the dreaded disease into Nigeria, Nigerians only
heard of the disease in news from other countries. Nobody looked forward to
witnessing its menace in our clime.
Many people thought it was all a
huge joke until the reality starred us in the face. A lot of issues before then
were ascribed to Nigeria but definitely not Ebola, so it was alarming when the
first case was recorded at First Consultants Medical Centre.
Dr. Adadevoh treated the index
case; she knew it was a deadly disease, that she could be infected and possibly
die since there was no known cure at the time. She could have done one of two
things; either abandon the job or discharge the man when he asked her to, but
she stuck to her guns knowing full well that his leaving the hospital would be
disastrous.
Here was a woman who risked her
life for a cause she believed in, a great patriot and a woman of conviction.
Such uncommon acts of patriotism and gallantry should be adequately recognised
to encourage others. The government did well in containing the virus from
spreading any further in the country. She may not be alive today to receive
accolades but rightly, she should be rewarded with a posthumous award.
Adieu Stella; Adieu woman of
substance, you actually fulfilled purpose. Your efforts will never be in vain.
You would be greatly remembered by all Nigerians even generations unborn. A
hero you are, you couldn’t have been otherwise going by your pedigree. You were
born well and you showed love which your renowned forbears also had for
Nigeria. You were a noble woman and we celebrate you.
Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) didn’t
defeat you because you laid down your life freely. You are alive, dear Stella, because you live in our hearts.
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