The Volunteer Media Advocacy for Accountable Leadership (VMAAL) has commended the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for his directive mandating hospitals across the country to stock adequate quantities of anti-venoms, following the tragic snakebite death of singer Ifunaya Nwangene in Abuja.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday by the Country Director of Mobilisation of the group, Joseph Ezejiegu, the organisation described the directive as a timely, humane, and life-saving intervention that reflects responsive leadership and concern for public health emergencies.
Ezejiegu noted that the unfortunate death of the young artiste exposed critical gaps in emergency medical preparedness,particularly the availability of essential life-saving drugs in health facilities. He said the Senate President’s swift action demonstrates a commitment to preventing avoidable deaths and strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare response system.
“The directive by Senate President Godswill Akpabio for hospitals nationwide to stock anti-venoms is commendable and reassuring. It shows leadership that listens, acts decisively, and prioritises the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians,” the statement read.
The group urged the Federal Ministry of Health, state governments, and hospital managements to ensure full compliance with the directive, stressing that implementation is key to achieving the intended impact. It also called for regular audits, proper storage, and training of medical personnel on snakebite management, especially in high-risk areas.
VMAAL further appealed to relevant authorities to use the incident as a catalyst for broader reforms in emergency healthcare preparedness, including improved response times, better-equipped emergency units, and public awareness on first aid for snakebite victims.
The organisation extended its condolences to the family, friends, and fans of the late Ifunaya Nwangene, while expressing hope that the Senate President’s intervention would help avert similar tragedies in the future.
According to the group, sustained collaboration between the legislature, health authorities, and civil society is essential to building a more responsive and accountable healthcare system for all Nigerians.
