Junior Pope and Dr Ifeanyichukwu Uke 


As Nigerians mourn the death of Pope Obuneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, a United States of America USA-based Nigerian health professional, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Uke laments that the incident reveals the poor state of the Nigeria's Healthcare Emergency Response Facilities 


Junior Pope, Nollywood actor and Movie Producer and three others died in River Niger when their boat capsized, while on their way to a shooting location


Commenting on the incident in a social media post, Dr Uke laments that despite the presence of hundreds of people at the scene, not a single person was able to administer CPR, (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)  to save Junior Pope's life


"The circumstances surrounding Junior Pope's death have shed light on the poor state of emergency response and healthcare facilities in Nigeria.


" Shockingly, after being pulled out of the water around 5 am, Junior Pope was taken to a morgue while still alive


"Subsequently, he was brought to a herbalist for rituals before finally being taken to a hospital. The hospital, however, lacked even the most basic medical necessity - oxygen. For over 5 hours he did not receive any medical aid", he narrated


Uke,  a Clinical Psychologist maintained that the  tragic chain of events underscores the urgent need for improvements in Nigeria's healthcare system and emergency response protocols. 


"The lack of adequate medical facilities, trained personnel, and essential resources such as oxygen is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many in the country.


"Furthermore, the absence of proper oversight, such as guards to ensure life jacket compliance, raises serious concerns about safety standards on Nigeria's waterways", he noted


In a related comment, Uke has advised those with the capacity   to put together a workshop to teach people how to administer CPR, or  cardiopulmonary resuscitation. "It can help save Heimlich maneuver (to dislodge any airway blockage)", he stressed


He also urged communities to  provide a portable AED or automated external defibrillator, and to train one or two persons on how to use them and they will be the custodians.


"Most sudden slump deaths could be averted with the application of first aid including AED", he affirmed