By IHECHINYERE CHIGEMERI-UWOM

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the death of a U.S.-based Nigerian physician, Dr Uzoma Nwaubani, who was in the state for a medical mission.

Otti, in a condolence message signed by him and issued on Friday in Umuahia, said that he received the news of her passing with shock, describing her as a dedicated and compassionate medical practitioner.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State Government in collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) organised a five-day free medical outreach that held from April 13 to April 17.

The governor noted that the late Nwaubani was a member of the association and had returned to Nigeria with her husband and daughter, a final-year medical student in the United States, to provide free medical services to residents of Abia.

He said that while participating in the ongoing medical outreach, she developed a medical emergency and was immediately taken to a hospital.

According to him, a team of ANPA and local medical experts worked together to provide urgent critical care in a bid to save her life.

“Despite the gallant efforts of the highly skilled medical team to resuscitate her, she could not make it,” Otti said.

The governor extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, her loved ones, and members of ANPA, adding that the state government was already in communication with her family and the leadership of the association.

He promised that the government would provide the necessary support to the bereaved family and ANPA during the period of mourning.

Otti also commended the family of the late doctor and ANPA for allowing the medical mission to continue in spite of the loss.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the health and well-being of residents and visitors to the state.

The governor prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for strength for her family to bear the loss. (NAN)