One other Nigerian dies in UK, sparks concern over persistent sicknesses

The loss of life of a Nigerian scholar, Douglas Izevbigie, in the UK has sparked contemporary considerations over persistent sicknesses amongst Nigerians residing overseas, as members of the neighborhood launch a fundraising attraction to assist his burial.

PUNCH Metro learnt on Wednesday {that a} GoFundMe attraction was created following his loss of life on January 21 at a UK hospital after a battle with aggressive leukaemia.

The fundraiser, shared broadly amongst Nigerians within the UK, was organised by a lady recognized merely as Sephora, who stated the funds would help the deceased’s sister, Kate, and their household with funeral and associated bills.

Sephora, who described herself as Kate’s colleague, stated Douglas, 37, travelled to the UK in 2024 as a global scholar to pursue a grasp’s diploma at Sheffield Hallam College.

In accordance with her, he was identified with an aggressive type of leukaemia halfway via his research final yr and spent lengthy intervals out and in of hospital because of issues.

“In the midst of his research final yr, he was identified with an aggressive type of leukaemia. He underwent remedy and was steadily out and in of the hospital with issues,” she wrote.

“Even via all of it, he continued attempting to maintain up together with his research, displaying exceptional power and dedication.”

She added that Douglas died unexpectedly after he was discovered unwell and unresponsive in his room by his sister.

“Tragically, Douglas handed away unexpectedly on January 21. He was discovered unwell and unresponsive in his room by his sister and was taken to A&E, however regardless of pressing medical care, he sadly handed away,” the attraction said.

Sephora described the loss as notably devastating for Kate, who had not too long ago misplaced their mom in Nigeria and had been Douglas’ main assist system all through his sickness.

“This has been a devastating loss for Kate, particularly as she has not too long ago additionally misplaced her mum in Nigeria. Kate supported Douglas all through his time within the UK, together with serving to to fund his journey right here and being his essential assist whereas he battled sickness removed from residence,” she stated.

Explaining the aim of the fundraiser, she famous that the household deliberate to bury Douglas within the UK because of the excessive price of repatriating his stays to Nigeria.

“We’re elevating cash to cowl Douglas’ funeral bills right here within the UK, in addition to some other surprising prices which will come up throughout this time.

“The household’s plan is to put him to relaxation right here, as repatriation and funeral prices in Nigeria could be far too costly,” she added, interesting for donations and assist.

Following information of his loss of life, a number of Nigerians took to social media to precise considerations about what they described as a rising variety of persistent sickness instances amongst Nigerians residing within the UK.

Reacting on X, Modupe Adeboye-Ayoroh wrote, “Now that is the peak of ‘too many’ Nigerians within the UK falling sick with persistent sicknesses and passing away shortly after. Can docs look into this sample and educate folks on what might be the causes, if it may be prevented for others?”

One other consumer, @EmperorJakarta, urged Nigerians relocating to the UK to prioritise medical check-ups.

“Each Nigerian that involves the UK must be inspired to right away register with a GP and do full physique checks, together with all organs, to make sure there aren’t underlying points that should be handled or managed,” the publish learn.

Paying tribute, one other acquaintance, Osamuyi, wrote, “My coursemate in class. Douglas, your passing is a severe loss to us. Could God grant your loved ones the fortitude to bear this loss.”

Olumide Adeyemi additionally questioned the development, saying, “I don’t know whether it is simply me, however I’ve seen so many Nigerians get identified with leukaemia within the UK. Is it that the illness doesn’t get detected in Nigeria, or what they eat over there?”

Douglas’ loss of life comes lower than 5 days after one other Nigerian within the UK, Saburi Adeniji, died after battling a extreme mind stem harm.

Adeniji, a footballer and left winger for Kings Park Rangers Soccer Membership of Sudbury, Nice Cornard, Suffolk, was confirmed lifeless on Friday morning, in accordance with an announcement by the non-league membership.

The membership stated he had been in intensive care and held on till preparations have been made for his household to journey to the UK. His loss of life adopted earlier public appeals for prayers and {financial} assist.

The incidents have additional stirred conversations throughout the Nigerian diaspora about well being consciousness, early prognosis, and entry to medical care overseas.