Nigerian healthcare system is a very good indicator of wealth distribution and Nigeria ranks among the worst in general health care for its citizens.

The Lagos skyline is richly appointed with new construction jewels like the the Atlantic Resort and Kingsway Tower Ikoyi, that promise to change this vertically growing city into a residential and office space hub on Africa’s Atlantic coast. In fact, Nigeria and wealthy Nigerians are on the rise. A recent article in Forbes magazine touts the richest five Nigerians to be worth collectively nearly a whopping 30 billion$ U.S. The Daily Mail ran a recent piece featuring Nigerian rich kids with pics posed against luxury cars and sitting on gold thrones.

With all of this wealth and “lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” press, from the outside looking in; one would think Nigeria is the next financial Utopia.

Nigeria is definitely on the move. If the entire tale was told, however, it would truly be a tale of two cities. Worldwide, wealth inequality plagues many nations both big and small and Nigeria is no different. Where you see the opulent wealth of Nigeria’s young and well to do, you can also see the impoverished neighborhoods and the scourge of malnutrition not far away. A countries healthcare system is a very good indicator of wealth distribution and Nigeria ranks among the worst in general health care for its citizens.

The CDC ranks preventable diseases like malaria and lower respiratory infections as a top killer in Nigeria. Also the lack of childhood healthcare access can be blamed for many unnecessary childhood deaths and a high rate of infant mortality. Amongst opulence, Nigeria suffers from a healthcare and malnutrition crisis that can impede its promise of future growth.

Why? Why such a disparity in wealth? There is much blame to go around. Some blame government corruption, while still others lament over the falling away from traditional medicine and spiritual systems for Nigeria’s social and healthcare problems.
The truth is there are a many causes for wealth disparity and many solutions.

Some are taking matters into their own hands by Promoting a return to cultural norms and others are initiating internal and externally sponsored healthcare programs to reach the poor where they need the most help now.
Just this week, the state of Oyo is sponsoring free medical services. These and other initiatives are much needed. We as proud Nigerians and friends who travel, live and work far and wide must remain active, diligent and engaged in our sociocultural and spiritual home. Sponsoring programs that help provide needed care to the millions in need in Nigeria is something we are passionate about here at IleOduduwa.com. We invite your suggestions on charitable and volunteer works to help Nigeria’s needy and improve healthcare in our country.

In loving memory of GRACE IBIRONKE MABADEJE-AKINBOWALE