The Day I Did Not Die: One Year Reflection

Today marks exactly one year since I survived a day that could have gone very differently — one that made me truly reflect on the two sides of Nigeria I have often spoken about: the good and the bad. Many who know me understand that I am bullish about Nigeria. I believe the country, like most others, has its peculiarities — some good, some bad. When I say, “May Nigeria not happen to me,” I don’t just mean the usual complaints. No, it’s deeper than that. I mean, how could I not acknowledge the almost-free education I received from secondary school through to university?

But the story I want to share today isn’t about the benefits of living in Nigeria. It’s about the day the bad side of Nigeria almost happened to me, and how I narrowly escaped.

It was just an ordinary evening on 11th October 2023 in Abuja, I had just finished eating and surfing the internet when my friend David and I decided to play FIFA. We spent about three hours playing, and around 11 PM, I visited the bathroom, only to be hit with severe stomach pain. At first, I thought it was just indigestion, but the pain soon radiated to the lower part of my body. It became unbearable — beyond bearing.

I asked David for some hot water, hoping that a ginger tea and a painkiller would tide me over until morning. It didn’t help. By 1:40 AM, the pain had intensified to the point where I could hardly move.

This is where my story intersects with the harsh realities of healthcare access in Nigeria. I called four different ambulance services, and not one came through. The first company wanted to recommend drugs over the phone, despite my telling them I was in severe pain. They quoted me ₦50,000 for the service, and I agreed, asking them to send me their account details so I could transfer the money. After that, they stopped picking up my calls.
The second company quoted ₦100,000 and claimed they were on their way. But later, they informed me they couldn’t make it. The third and fourth companies outright refused.

At that moment, I wondered, “Is this how I will die?”

Thankfully, Joseph, a close friend of David who lived nearby, hadn’t slept yet. David called him, and he rushed over to take me to the hospital. Along with David’s sister, Faith — who was a godsend in her own right — they took me to Kelina Hospital . Upon arrival, I was given a painkiller, and after running some tests, I underwent a procedure that, by God’s grace, went well.

The thought that crossed my mind in those moments was dark but real: “What if Joseph hadn’t been available, how would I have made it to the hospital?” That’s when it hit me — there’s a fine line between life and death. And that night, the bad side of Nigeria almost happened to me. Almost.

In all of this, I am deeply grateful to God for His grace and mercy in preserving my life. I’ve come to realize just how underrated good health is, and I pray that none of us will ever have to experience the bad side of Nigeria.

I am also thankful for the unwavering support from my family — especially my sister and her husband; as well as David and his sister Faith. They went above and beyond, being truly helpful. Today, one year later, I stand here, full of gratitude, reflecting on that fateful night and thanking God that I can say: that was a day I did not die.

As I reflect on that harrowing night, it’s clear that Nigeria healthcare system, especially emergency services, needs significant improvement. Here are a few suggestions:

Strengthen Ambulance Services: We must prioritize the training and equipment of emergency medical personnel; ensuring ambulance services are efficient, reliable, and affordable for everyone. Streamlining payment processes for these services would also prevent delays and miscommunication.

Public Awareness of Health Protocols: Many people in Nigeria don’t know basic first-aid procedures or the steps to take in a health emergency. Organizing community workshops on health emergency response could save countless lives while waiting for medical help to arrive.

Digital Health Platforms: We should embrace technology by developing apps or platforms where people can book ambulances, track their progress, and receive real-time support. This can enhance accountability and minimize the inefficiencies I experienced.

By addressing these issues, we can ensure that the bad side of Nigeria doesn’t happen to anyone else in their moment of need. May we never have to go through such a close call again. Can I hear Amen?