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How Corruption affects Healthcare at the National Hospital Abuja

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5 years ago

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Patient-staff bribery and payment to private accounts are common practices at the National Hospital Abuja.

Mukhtar Sani’s brother, Yunusa, had descended the ladder after a plumbing fix, when he looked up and noticed that the job was not perfect. So, he climbed the ladder again. This was when he slipped and fell, the impact causing damage around his neck and back.

What happened to him afterwards could never have been imagined in a

He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, where he was attended to and was soon referred to the National Hospital Abuja (NHA) due to the complicated nature of the surgery he required.

The Interim Invoice issued to Sani, and obtained by HumAngle, showed his brother’s medication history. The cost of his treatment, which included an x-ray, amounted to N175,780.

The invoice also indicated that his brother had been in the hospital for four days, from Feb. 6, 2020, by 10:06 p.m. until his death on Feb. 9, 2020. He was registered as patient 660461 and stayed both in the old ward of the National Hospital and the new ward.

They had a challenge with raising N500,000 within the shortest possible time for the surgery he required.

Fortunately, Yunusa’s boss was able to provide the money. Sani then approached one of the doctors with the intention to pay for the surgery. To his surprise, he was given the account details of one of the doctors.

“I refused and asked for evidence that I was sending to the hospital account,” Sani explained. “I said I wasn’t going to send it to an organisation I didn’t know.”

Previous payments made, according to the Interim Invoice HumAngle consulted, revealed that for every service/drug prescription given to the patient, a section in the document listed the names of those who billed the patient, including two receipt details for a total number of 27 different services and drugs provided.

So, when it came to payment for surgery, Sani did not send the money to the private account given to him. His refusal to do as others did cost his brother, Yunusa, his life. He died while awaiting surgery, leaving a wife and three children.

But they found a convenient excuse for his death.

“They told us that they knew he wouldn’t survive, that was why they didn’t do the surgery,” Sani said.

“I’m still fighting to get his death certificate because we have gotten some kind of sponsorship for his children’s education.”

“I wrote an application to the medical director, but I still haven’t been given. In fact, they were unable to find his file in the entire hospital, so it’s even impossible to get hold of the record that will make it possible for me to get the death certificate. I took the file number and documents of everything we did, but they are unable to find it.”

This is just one in several cases of alleged corruption at the NHA.

Give a bribe or keep waiting

The procedure for booking appointments at the NHA stipulates that: “All bookings are done in the various clinics of the hospital by Health Record Officers on duty. Patients are expected to give their hand card to the Record Officer in charge so that he/she will indicate the day, time and the Doctor to see in the next appointment.”

But this procedure is only on paper. Some intermediary staff at the hospital have devised their own rules. Such was the case with Mr and Mrs Yakubu who were patients at the hospital recently.

The couple, like Mukhtar Sani’s case, were also referred to NHA in 2020 when their six-year-old son had tonsillitis.

“We were given a letter from Nisa Premier Hospital to give to the National Hospital because they had the required equipment for our son’s surgery,” Lucy Yakubu said.

At NHA’s pediatric section, a Record Officer (RA) collected their file and shelved it. The husband and wife then waited for over four hours, hoping they would be called in to see the doctor.

When the RA returned, the couple asked why they were left waiting for so long. But there was no apology because, according to the RA, “he had a lot of other things to attend to.”

Mr Yakubu then reminded the official that their situation was an emergency because their son had not eaten properly for three days and was in pain. But that was still not enough to sway the man.

“At that moment some people walked in and he quickly attended to them,” Mr Yakubu claimed, adding that the patient appeared to have bribed the RA.

Mr Yakubu’s suspicion was confirmed when he and his wife approached a nurse and she told them that staff at the hospital prefer to attend to those who give them money. “‘If you don’t, they won’t, the nurse told us,” he recalled.

Mr Yakubu and his wife returned to Nisa Premier Hospital and relayed the incident to a nurse. She prescribed antibiotics to their son and advised them to take a local approach.

“We diluted salt in water and added alum,” Mr Yakubu narrated. “That was what helped our son.”

His wife added that when she gave birth at NHA, nurses liked to be given money before they would call a doctor “to attend to us.”

Money paid into private accounts

A HumAngle reporter visited the Ophthalmology Department of NHA for an eye test with the help of another staff member.

When she went in, the doctor was attending to patients so she had to wait. When she was finally called in, he asked a few questions before the tests began.

There were two students present and the doctor conducted the test using a machine while simultaneously teaching the students.

When they were done, he took down her details and then negotiated a price with the hospital employee that brought her. He wrote down the prescription on a piece of paper and handed it to the HumAngle reporter.

This reporter was later issued medicated glasses after payment of over N30,000 was made into the private account of the doctor (name withheld).

“There are many acts of corruption to uncover in this hospital,” a staff member who pleaded anonymity told HumAngle. “In some places, you pay directly into the doctor’s private account.”

The source also explained that patients are required or expected to pay bribes when consulting doctors who have assistants. These assistants ensure patients give them some money before they have access to a doctor.

“Also, a particular female doctor at the hospital who has her own practice has the habit of referring patients to National Hospital. But instead of the patients paying to National Hospital for the use of its facilities, they still pay to her because she ensures that she personally attends to them,” the source revealed.

There are reported cases where doctors collude with hospitals to scam Nigerians through a referral kickback scheme, but the former case is different.

When HumAngle reached out to Segun Adetola, Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Health, he said he was not the right person to speak to regarding government hospitals in the capital. He directed HumAngle to the Ministry’s Director of Hospital Services, Dr Adebiyi Adebimpe.

But Dr Adepimbe asked HumAngle to write to the Minister of Health himself.

Meanwhile, the management of the NHA appeared to have received reports of corrupt practices among staff members. Tayo Haastrup, the facility’s Public Relations Officer, said NHA now has an e-payment system “which has really blocked these kinds of loopholes.”

Haastrup, who sent his response in text messages, added that the NHA has been running the e-payment system for about three years.

A source at the hospital agreed that, indeed, the e-payment system has helped to reduce corruption within the hospital, but added that staff members still find ways to engage in fraudulent practices.

This story was produced in partnership with Civic Media Lab under its Grassroots News Project.

Culled from the Sahara Reporters

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Wazobia Family Funfair AT 10 – Decade of Family, Culture, and Community

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2 days ago

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June 8, 2026

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On July 25, 2026, families from across Houston will gather at the West Oaks Mall on 1000 West Oaks, Houston, to celebrate a milestone that extends far beyond food, music, and entertainment. The 10th Anniversary of the Wazobia Family Funfair represents a decade-long journey of community building, cultural preservation, entrepreneurship, and family-centered engagement.

What began as a customer appreciation initiative has evolved into one of the most recognizable African community events in Texas. For ten years, the Funfair has provided a space where families reconnect with culture, children experience heritage, entrepreneurs build relationships, and communities strengthen the bonds that define them.

The story of the anniversary begins with the story of Wazobia itself. Founded in 2013 by entrepreneur Tunde Fashina, Wazobia was created with a vision that stretched beyond commerce. According to Fashina, the goal was never simply to sell products.

FASHINA, OHAZURIKE: For Fashina, leadership carries responsibility. “The feeling is fantastic because you’ve achieved something,” he explained. “But it is also frightening because every decision affects many people.” He added: “The higher you are in an organization, the more people are affected by your decisions.” Those values influence the company’s culture and community engagement efforts.

“The emphasis was not more on getting the products,” he explained. “The emphasis was on creating a feeling of belonging to the customer, so that they feel at home any time they come to our place.”

That philosophy became the foundation of the business. Fashina spent nearly two years developing the business plan. The challenge was enormous. He had limited financial resources and relied heavily on relationships, determination, and faith.

“The business plan had to involve getting this business up with absolutely no money, because I didn’t have any,” he recalled.

The early years tested every aspect of his resolve. He performed multiple roles simultaneously.

“I was a cleaner. I was a restocker. I was a cashier. I did all the work,” he said. “I slept in the shop throughout for almost 18 months because I was working around the clock.”

Despite the challenges, growth came quickly.

“God showed up in ways that I could not describe,” Fashina said. “People started coming in little by little, and the growth rate exceeded everything in the business plan.”

Yet even as the company expanded, community remained central to the mission. “We created a sub-plan,” he explained. “How do we give back to those who built us? How do we let our customers know that we appreciate them?”

The answer became what is now known as the Wazobia Family Funfair.

 

 

Over the years, the event evolved from a modest appreciation day into a major annual celebration featuring cultural performances, African music, dance, games, food vendors, business showcases, and family activities.

For Paula Ohazurike, Project Manager at Wazobia, the event represents much more than an annual gathering. Her experience since she joined Wazobia reflects a recurring theme in conversations with employees and customers: Wazobia is viewed not merely as a business but as a community institution.

That philosophy is visible in the Family Funfair. The event creates a rare space where generations come together. Children born in America are introduced to African traditions through music, dance, language, fashion, and food. Parents and grandparents reconnect with memories of home while sharing those experiences with younger family members.

In a city as diverse as Houston, such gatherings carry significant cultural value. Houston is home to one of the largest African immigrant populations in the United States. Yet many families often struggle to maintain cultural connections while navigating modern American life. Events like the Wazobia Family Funfair help bridge that gap.

The significance of the Funfair extends beyond cultural preservation. It serves as a platform for economic empowerment. Small businesses, vendors, artists, and service providers use the event to connect with potential customers. Community organizations engage residents. Entrepreneurs build networks. Relationships formed during the event often extend throughout the year.

According to Ohazurike, the event has become one of the most effective community-engagement platforms within Houston’s African diaspora. The atmosphere itself reflects the spirit of family. Children enjoy games, bounce houses, and face painting. Families participate in contests and group activities. Music fills the air. Food vendors showcase culinary traditions from across Africa.

The result is an experience that feels both festive and deeply personal. Fashina believes that sense of belonging remains the event’s greatest achievement. “There is no reason for us not to provide an environment that people can be proud of,” he said. “A place where they can bring their friends and enjoy themselves.”

 

 

That vision continues to guide the organization. Today, Wazobia has expanded significantly, operating multiple locations and employing approximately 250 people. “It is something we are immensely proud of,” Fashina noted. “But this is only the beginning.” Growth, however, is measured by more than financial success.

For Fashina, leadership carries responsibility. “The feeling is fantastic because you’ve achieved something,” he explained. “But it is also frightening because every decision affects many people.” He added: “The higher you are in an organization, the more people are affected by your decisions.” Those values influence the company’s culture and community engagement efforts.

The Family Funfair embodies that philosophy by bringing people together in ways that strengthen relationships and encourage collective progress. Perhaps that is why the event has endured for ten years. Many community events emerge with enthusiasm but struggle to survive. Sustaining a large-scale annual celebration requires trust, consistency, and a genuine commitment to service. The Wazobia Family Funfair has achieved that longevity because it has remained focused on people.

Over the past decade, families have returned year after year. Children who attended the first Funfair now return as young adults. New immigrants have found friendships and support systems. Businesses have launched partnerships. Countless memories have been created.

 

 

The anniversary therefore represents more than a milestone date on a calendar; it represents ten years of shared experiences; ten years of preserving culture; ten years of supporting businesses; ten years of strengthening families; and ten years of building community.

As Houston prepares for the 2026 celebration, organizers are looking toward the future while honoring the past. For Ohazurike, the mission remains simple. “We want people to feel welcome,” she said. “We want families to come together and create memories.”
For Fashina, the broader vision remains rooted in possibility. “We can do it,” he said. “We just have to have a goal in mind and take it one step at a time.”

Those words capture the spirit of the Wazobia Family Funfair. At its heart, the event is not simply a festival. It is a living expression of community resilience, cultural pride, and family unity. It demonstrates how a business can become a community anchor. It illustrates how relationships can create opportunities. It reminds us that culture thrives when it is shared. Ten years after its inception, the Wazobia Family Funfair continues to embody the meaning of its name—an invitation for everyone to come together.

In a world increasingly defined by division and isolation, that invitation may be more important than ever. And as families gather once again this July, they will celebrate more than an anniversary. They will celebrate a decade of belonging.

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Burbank Marriage Unravels After Woman Allegedly Used Tracking Devices to Monitor Husband

Published

6 months ago

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December 27, 2025

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Burbank, Calif. — What began as a seemingly happy two-year marriage ended in confrontation and police involvement after a Burbank woman allegedly used multiple electronic tracking devices to monitor her husband’s movements, authorities and sources familiar with the situation said.

According to information obtained by this outlet, the marriage between Amos and Yolanda deteriorated after Yolanda allegedly placed Apple AirTags, Tile trackers, and a GPS tracking device on Amos’ vehicle and personal belongings without his knowledge. The devices reportedly allowed her to monitor his location in real time and reconstruct his daily movements across the city.

Friends of the couple said the marriage appeared stable during its early years, with the pair often seen together at community events and social gatherings. However, tensions reportedly escalated when Yolanda began confronting Amos about his whereabouts, referencing locations and timelines he had not shared with her.

The situation reached a breaking point when Yolanda allegedly tracked Amos to an apartment complex in Burbank, where she believed he had gone without informing her. Sources say she arrived at the location shortly after he did, leading to a heated confrontation in the parking area of the building. Neighbors, alarmed by raised voices, contacted local authorities.

Burbank police responded to the scene and separated the parties. While no arrests were immediately announced, the incident marked the effective end of the couple’s marriage, according to individuals close to Amos.

Legal experts note that the unauthorized use of tracking devices may raise serious privacy and stalking concerns under California law, depending on intent and consent. Law enforcement officials have not publicly disclosed whether an investigation remains ongoing.

The case underscores growing concerns about the misuse of consumer tracking technology, originally designed to help locate lost items, but increasingly implicated in domestic disputes and surveillance-related allegations.

As of publication, neither Amos nor Yolanda had publicly commented on the incident.

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Kaduna Governor Commissions Nigeria’s First 100-Building Prefabricated Housing Estate

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7 months ago

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November 14, 2025

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Kaduna, Nigeria – November 6, 2025 — In a major milestone for Nigeria’s housing sector, the Governor of Kaduna State has commissioned a 100-unit mass housing estate developed by Family Homes and executed by Karmod Nigeria, marking the first-ever large-scale prefabricated housing project in the country.

Completed in under six months, the innovative project demonstrates the power of modern prefabricated construction to deliver high-quality, affordable homes at record speed — a sharp contrast to traditional building methods that often take years.

Each of the 100 units in the estate is designed for a lifespan exceeding 50 years with routine maintenance. The development features tarred access roads, efficient drainage systems, clean water supply, and steady electricity, ensuring a modern and comfortable living environment for residents.

According to Family Homes, the project represents a new era in Nigeria’s mass housing delivery, proving that cutting-edge technology can accelerate the provision of sustainable and cost-effective homes for Nigerians.

“With prefabricated technology, we can drastically reduce construction time while maintaining top-quality standards,” said a spokesperson for Family Homes. “This project is a clear demonstration of what’s possible when innovation meets commitment to solving Nigeria’s housing deficit.”

Reinforcing this commitment, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State emphasized the alignment between the initiative and the state’s broader vision for affordable housing.

“The Family Homes Funds Social Housing Project aligns with our administration’s commitment to the provision of affordable houses for Kaduna State citizens. Access to safe, affordable and secure housing is the foundation of human dignity. We have been partnering with local and international investors to frontally address our housing deficit,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ademola Adebise, Chairman of Family Homes Funds Limited, noted that the project embodies inclusivity and social progress.

“The Social Housing Project also reflects our shared vision of inclusive growth, where affordable housing becomes a foundation for economic participation and improved quality of life.”

Karmod Nigeria, the technical partner behind the project, utilized its extensive expertise in prefabricated technology to localize the process, employing local artisans and materials to enhance community participation and job creation.

Industry experts have described the Kaduna project as a blueprint for future housing initiatives nationwide, capable of addressing the country’s housing shortfall more efficiently and sustainably.

With this pioneering development, Kaduna State takes a leading role in introducing modern housing technologies that promise to reshape Nigeria’s urban landscape.

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