In the quiet town of Okitipupa, a pall of sadness descended on the community on June 24th, as news broke of the untimely passing of Mrs. Bitire Funke, a devoted health worker and the wife of the prominent politician, Hon. Solomon Bitire, former Chairman of Okitipupa Local Government Area.
Reports from Starnews revealed that Mrs. Bitire had complained of chest pains the previous night. Tragically, she passed away at the State Special Hospital in Okitipupa before receiving any medical attention.
This heartbreaking incident has raised concerns, particularly given that nurses in Ondo State are currently on strike, leaving the hospital in a state of dysfunction. Many believe that this strike may have contributed to her untimely death, despite her lifelong dedication to health care.
The ongoing strike by nurses in Ondo State, under the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), began on January 31, 2025. It is a response to what they perceive as the state government’s neglect of their welfare, including inadequate remuneration, poor working conditions, and unresolved issues such as conversion, uniform allowance, and promotion arrears.
The decision to withdraw services indefinitely followed an emergency council meeting held just a day prior, where frustration with the government’s failure to honour previous commitments reached a boiling point.
Efforts to reach Hon. Bitire for a comment on this devastating loss were unsuccessful. A friend and loyalist fielding phone calls on his behalf indicated that the former chairman had stopped answering as calls from sympathisers flooded in.
The passing of Mrs. Bitire has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those in Okitipupa. As the community mourns, the tragic circumstances surrounding her death highlight the urgent need for improved health care services and the welfare of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. In this time of grief, the hope is that her legacy will inspire change, ensuring that no one else suffers from the neglect that led to her untimely demise.
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