The tragic and self-penned tribute of a Nigerian man, written before he lost his battle with a deteriorating heart condition, has sparked widespread grief and outrage online. The post, which went viral after his death, paints a damning picture of Nigeria's healthcare system, highlighting prohibitive costs and alleged negligence.
A Final Plea: The Viral Self-Tribute
The emotional message was shared on Facebook by Kingsley Obiekezie Aneke following his passing in early December 2025. In it, he detailed his long struggle with a heart-related illness, which was managed for years by a trusted cardiologist. His health took a severe turn for the worse after that specialist relocated abroad, a move Aneke directly linked to the difficult conditions facing medical professionals in Nigeria.
As his condition became critical in late November 2025, his family sought urgent care. He was initially at a hospital that had managed his condition for years, but when he needed a referral to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), they found it was on strike. This forced them to turn to private facilities.
The N2 Million Barrier to Care
Aneke's account reveals a shocking financial hurdle. He alleged that two private hospitals in Lagos—Evercare Hospital in Lekki and Dukes Neurosurgery and Specialist Hospital on Victoria Island—demanded an upfront deposit of over N2 million before they would begin treatment, despite the life-threatening nature of his situation.
His family chose Dukes Hospital. However, Aneke claimed the institution was "more interested in their deposit of millions before they can even lay a finger on me". He felt the facility prioritized billing over his immediate medical needs, stating that "the hospital saw my condition as just another payday" and continued to focus on financial demands until his final moments.
A Broader Indictment of System Failure
Beyond his personal ordeal, Kingsley Aneke used his final words to deliver a stinging critique of governance in Nigeria. He blamed systemic failures for his death and the daily loss of other lives.
He criticized poor governance, ethnic-based political loyalty, and the neglect of critical sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, and security. He pointed to underfunded public hospitals, the exodus of skilled professionals, and the limitations of private hospitals in critical situations due to a lack of comprehensive expertise.
His tribute ended with a plea for a better Nigeria and practical advice, urging people to prioritize preventive healthcare through regular check-ups, proper diet, and exercise. He expressed hope that his death would serve as a wake-up call and that the fight for a fair and just nation where healthcare is accessible to all would continue.
Kingsley Obiekezie Aneke passed away on December 5, 2025.
Nigerians React with Grief and Solidarity
The post triggered an avalanche of emotional reactions from Nigerians online, who expressed sorrow and echoed his frustrations with the system.
Marcelo commented: "You were a fearless voice for what is just... posterity will remember you for standing tall for good leadership."
Innocent Juliet wrote: "Goodbye my dear friend... You have always advocated for the good interest of this country. Even till your end."
Ify Imelda added: "May your soul rest in peace... This death is truly heartbreaking, and the pain is beyond words."
The viral tribute stands as a powerful and painful testament to one man's struggle and a stark indictment of a healthcare system that remains out of reach for many Nigerians in their most vulnerable moments.
