Former Nigerian Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar has sparked widespread reactions after appearing in a promotional video for an Indian hospital, Krishna Shalby Hospital, following his total knee replacement surgery. The footage, which shows the former military leader undergoing rehabilitation at the facility, has triggered a debate on social media about Nigeria's healthcare system and the practice of seeking medical treatment abroad.
Video Shows Recovery and Hospital Confirmation
The promotional video depicts Abubakar at the hospital, accompanied by a close associate. In one clip, a medical professional assists him in walking after the procedure, while other scenes show him stretching and exercising his knee. Krishna Shalby Hospital confirmed that Abubakar underwent total knee replacement surgery at the facility, describing him as a former president of Nigeria and highlighting his treatment as part of its international patient care.
The footage has since gone viral, prompting mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some expressed disappointment that a former Nigerian leader would feature in promotional material for a foreign hospital, linking the situation to long-standing concerns about healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria.
Criticism from Omoyele Sowore and Others
Political activist Omoyele Sowore criticised the development, arguing that Nigerian leaders who had opportunities to strengthen the country's healthcare system failed to do enough. He said that former leaders "had every opportunity while in power to build first-class healthcare facilities in Nigeria," yet some now seek medical treatment abroad. Sowore described the situation as "a tragic indictment of decades of failed leadership and neglect of Nigeria's healthcare system" and suggested that a similar scenario could one day involve President Bola Tinubu and a hospital in France.
Another X user, identified as an online doctor, called the situation a shame. "This is a former Nigerian head of state being used as advert material for a private hospital promo clip in India. Nigerian leaders will squander the chance to build world-class hospitals but do nothing then later go to other countries to seek healthcare from those nations who were not as stupid as them. What a shame," he wrote.
Lawyer and Other Users Weigh In
Lawyer and political commentator Aloy Ejimakor also criticised the development, calling it "a diplomatic INSULT for an Indian hospital to use the image of former Nigerian Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, as an advert for knee replacement surgery in India." He added that the situation was a national embarrassment that portrays Nigeria as a banana republic.
Another user, Manjul Vic, wrote, "These people humiliate Nigeria so much. Imagine one random Indian hospital running ads with our former President. These politicians can easily build these things here, and still have enough to steal."
Context of Nigeria's Healthcare Challenges
The reactions come as Nigeria approaches 66 years of independence, putting renewed focus on the country's healthcare system and the long-running practice of Nigerians travelling abroad for specialised medical treatment. The debate highlights ongoing concerns about the state of healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria and the choices of its leaders.
